Act Fast- Stroke Awareness

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death in both the nation and Kentucky. Ischemic stroke accounts for 85% of all strokes. The only approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke has to be given within three hours of the beginning of a stroke. Stroke patients who receive this treatment have at least a 30% chance of having minimal to no disability. This translates into higher rates of patients being discharged to home or rehabilitation rather than to a nursing home and has been shown to be a cost-saving treatment for stroke. Yet only a small percentage of the ischemic stroke population receives treatment. The major barrier to receiving therapy is arriving at the hospital within the three-hour window. This is due, at least in part, to a lack of recognition of stroke signs and symptoms, which are variable, include weakness, numbness, visual loss, language disturbances and confusion.

However, stroke patients usually do not activate emergency medical services themselves due to impairment of language, motor function, and cognition. Thus, in order to improve acute stroke therapy, it is imperative that close family and friends be able to recognize stroke symptoms and understand the urgency in seeking prompt medical care by activating emergency medical services. Education cannot focus solely on stroke symptoms but must also motivate behavioral action, calling 9−1−1. 

Jefferson County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent collaborated with the Louisville Area KEHA leaders to offer the Healthy Homemakers Stroke Awareness program to 55 participants. Upon completion of the class:

- 95 % were able to identified stroke related symptoms

- 91 % learned the different types of stroke

- 92 % discussed stroke prevention 

A follow-up evaluation revealed that 90 % of the participants had taken steps to address their risk factors for a stroke and now recognized the urgency for immediate action following identification of a symptom.