PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — In an effort to reduce the impact of strokes within the community, Calvert County has declared itself a “Stroke Smart” county in alignment with Stroke Awareness Month. This new initiative, a collaboration between the Calvert County Government, Calvert County Health Department, CalvertHealth, the Board of Education, and additional community partners, seeks to enhance local understanding and response to strokes, which are currently the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
According to the Public Safety Director Dave McDowell, the primary goal of this initiative is to provide residents with the necessary knowledge and tools to respond effectively in the event of a stroke. “Strokes can happen to anyone at any time, and knowing how to recognize the signs and respond quickly can save lives,” McDowell stated.
Strokes are not only a major cause of death but also a leading cause of serious long-term disability. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke each year. Early intervention is crucial, as it can significantly reduce the brain damage that strokes frequently cause.
The county is actively promoting the BE FAST method—a simple mnemonic to help residents remember the key symptoms of a stroke:
- Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Look for any loss of vision.
- Face Drooping: Check if one side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile.
- Arm Weakness: Determine if one arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech Difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred, or are they unable to speak, or hard to understand? Request they repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
- Time to call 911: If any of these symptoms are observed suddenly, even if they go away, it’s crucial to call 911 and get the person to a hospital immediately.
Residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated website, HealthyCalvert.org, to learn more about stroke symptoms, risk factors, and prevention tips. Further details about the Stroke Smart initiative and upcoming health screening events in Calvert County can be found at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/StrokeSmart.
