May is National Stroke Awareness Month and a Dallas County Health Department official details how residents can spot the signs for strokes.

Community Health Educator Natalie Del Vecchio says strokes happen when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted either by blockage or bleeding. She adds that common risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and a family history of strokes. Del Vecchio details that age and gender also play a role as older adults and men are at a higher risk.

She shares ways to prevent strokes through managing those risk factors.

“So maintaining a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, staying physically active for the recommended 150 minutes per week and then eating a balanced diet focused on fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins are all important for reducing your stroke risk. Controlling conditions like diabetes and heart disease is also important. And then finally, you can reduce your alcohol intake and manage stress to further lower your stroke risk.”

Del Vecchio explains that residents can use the acronym “BE FAST” to help recognize symptoms.

“B is for balance, E is for eye changes like sudden loss of vision, F is for face drooping, A is for arm weakness, S is speech difficulty and T is time to call 911.”

Symptoms may affect only one side of the body but if someone shows any of these signs, Del Vecchio stresses the importance of seeking medical attention immediately. She adds that the faster someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery.