MACON, Georgia (KBTV) – May marks National Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about stroke prevention, warning signs, and life-saving responses.
According to the American Heart Association, someone in the United States dies from a stroke every 3 minutes and 11 seconds. Overall, strokes account for one in every 20 deaths nationwide, making them a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
Monica Cook, Stroke Program Manager at Piedmont Macon, spoke with KBTV’s Dr. Karlisha Booze during a recent “Wellness Wednesday” segment about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly.
“Time is critical when it comes to stroke,” Cook said. “The faster someone receives medical attention, the better their chances of survival and recovery.”
Health experts encourage people to remember the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to identify warning signs:
- Balance
- Eyes blurred
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
In addition to raising awareness, Piedmont Macon is inviting the community to support stroke survivors during its upcoming Stroke Stroll on May 21. The annual event celebrates those who have survived strokes and highlights the importance of community support during recovery.
Survivors are encouraged to bring family and friends to cheer them on during the event, which will take place in the hospital’s cafeteria at 350 Hospital Drive.
Organizers say the stroll not only honors survivors but also serves as a reminder of the importance of education, early detection, and access to care.
For more information about stroke prevention and the upcoming event, visit Piedmont Macon.
To watch the full interview, click here.
Karli Bee TV 