While strokes and heart disease account for one in four deaths among Hispanic men, and one and three deaths among Hispanic women, Hispanics are less likely to recognized signs and symptoms of the disease, the American College of Emergency Physicians reported.
“Stroke can occur suddenly and without warning,” said Dr. Juan Fitz, ACEP spokesperson and assistant medical director for the emergency department at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas. Fitz rushed his own wife, Dina, to an emergency department when she began experiencing the signs and symptoms of a stroke. “When my wife’s face began to droop and she couldn’t speak, we immediately sought medical attention which we believe helped aid in her recovery.”
In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, the group presented the following primary signs and symptoms of a stroke:
> Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face or facial drooping
> Sudden numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
> Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
> Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
> Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
> Sudden severe headache with no known cause
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— Latino Links provides a periodic update of trends in digital media, education, lifestyle, health, marketing and politics impacting the Latino community. Compiled by Amigos805.com