It is the No. 5 killer and a leading cause of disability in the United States, a silent enemy from within that can rob a person of their quality of life or tragically end it.
Yet with May serving as Stroke Awareness Month, there is no better time than to underscore the state-of-the-art care and resources provided by Tampa General Hospital at Brooksville and Spring Hill. North Suncoast residents who have suffered a stroke or are at risk of one continue to benefit from the nationally certified stroke prevention and education programs available in the region through TGH.
Those endeavors are backed by the full weight of the Primary Stroke Center (PCS) Certification from the Joint Commission. Offered in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, the designation means an institution has made exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes and conveys to the community the quality of care provided to meet the unique and specialized needs of stroke patients.
“Tampa General Spring Hill and Brooksville are certified Advanced Primary Stroke Centers by The Joint Commission,” says Elizabeth Sanford Richman, Chief Quality Officer for Tampa General Hospital at Brooksville and Spring Hill. “This certification is awarded to hospitals that provide all critical elements necessary for achieving long-term success in improving stroke patient outcomes.”
Joint Commission certification is designed for those hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex cases. Furthermore, it recognizes that a hospital has established a consistent approach to care, demonstrating a commitment to a higher standard of clinical service.
“This certification demonstrates Tampa General’s commitment to high-quality health care and superior stroke patient care,” Sanford Richman adds. “It reflects the dedication of our well-trained staff who care about the community, each other, and patients. Every day, each facility uses evidence-based practices to ensure patients receive timely and effective treatments. I am honored to be a member of this community and a Quality leader for Spring Hill and Brooksville.”
A big step in preventing strokes is understanding what they are and what risk factors are involved. According to the American Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). Stroke affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. The good news is that many strokes may be prevented through blood pressure control, a healthy diet, regular physical activity and smoking cessation. Each plays a big part in decreasing your risk for stroke, disability or even death.
Among the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of a stroke:
• Don’t smoke or vape and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Eat healthy foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and sodium (salt); reduce sugary drinks.
• Do regular physical activity.
Keep a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women; two drinks per day for men.
• Take your medications as directed.
• Know your blood pressure.
• Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and work with your health care professional to manage it if it’s high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke.
• Reduce stress, which may contribute to behaviors such as overeating, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet and smoking.
• Have regular medical checkups, including assessment of your risk for stroke.
• Get adequate sleep, 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults; more for children.
For additional helpful information, visit the American Stroke Association at stroke.org
