40-Year-Old Survivor Urges Others to ‘BE FAST’ During Stroke Awareness Month

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers from a stroke. May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Houston Methodist encourages the community to learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke. Past patient Sergio Lopez can speak firsthand about how it can save a life.

Just days after celebrating his 40th birthday, Lopez was driving home from work when he suddenly felt dizzy and experienced throbbing pain in his head. He brushed it off as a bad headache and laid down to rest, but when his family returned home and found him immobile on the floor, they realized something was wrong.

Lopez was unable to speak, and the right side of his face and body were completely stiff and frozen. Fortunately for him, his wife and two daughters acted fast and called 911. Nurses at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital immediately recognized Lopez’s symptoms as signs of a stroke and began treating him quickly, which was a critical factor in his recovery.

“The hardest part about it all was seeing how scared my wife and two daughters were,” Lopez said. “I never want them to have to go through that again.”

Over time, with the help of intensive rehabilitation, Lopez’s slurred speech improved and today, he continues to regain mobility. Now, during Stroke Awareness Month, Lopez hopes others will learn from his experience.

“I didn’t really take my health seriously. That’s changed,” he said. “If something feels wrong, don’t ignore it, especially when it comes to your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor.”

Lopez suffers from high blood pressure, a condition that runs in his family, but he admits he was inconsistent about taking his medication. His story is a reminder that a stroke can happen at any age and recognizing symptoms quickly can save lives.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Stroke is one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Every second counts when it comes to stroke and knowing what to do can save lives. Houston Methodist’s website reminds individuals of the BE FAST acronym to remember the signs of a stroke in you or others:

• Balance – Watch for sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes – Check for sudden vision changes or trouble seeing.
• Face – Look for facial drooping or an uneven smile.
• Arms – Watch for arm weakness or difficulty raising one arm.
• Speech – Listen for slurred or strange speech.
• Time – Time is critical; call 911 right away if you experience these symptoms.

Stroke can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including age, gender, race and health history. But many cases of stroke can be prevented by making lifestyle changes and managing existing medical conditions, including:

• Not smoking.
• Controlling blood pressure.
• Staying physically active.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Eating a balanced diet, including cutting down on fat and sugar.
• Controlling your blood sugar if you are diabetic.
• Lowering your cholesterol levels.
• Keeping a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoiding alcohol.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of a stroke, talk to your doctor about your health and ask what you can do to minimize your risk. Schedule an appointment with Houston Methodist online or at 713.790.3333.

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