June is Stroke Awareness Month, and it's time to get serious about the signs of a stroke. Brightshores Health System is calling on everyone to educate themselves and understand why acting fast can be the difference between life and death.

"Time is brain—that’s our motto in stroke care," emphasizes Dr. Young, a neurologist at Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital, the leading stroke center for Grey and Bruce counties. The quicker a patient gets treated, the better their chances for recovery and less disability.

What Services Does Brightshores Offer?

As the central hub for stroke care, Brightshores Owen Sound Hospital provides top-notch services, including:

- **Emergency Stroke Care:** Fast diagnosis and cutting-edge treatment options, including Rapid AI brain imaging and clot-busting medications.

- **Stroke Prevention Clinic:** Ongoing assessments to help patients post-stroke or TIA reduce the risk of future incidents.

- **Acute Stroke Unit:** Specialized care for inpatients that need close monitoring and treatment by a team of stroke experts.

- **Inpatient Rehabilitation:** Focused therapy designed to help patients regain independence before heading home.

- **Community Stroke Rehab:** Continuous home-based therapy and support to aid recovery after hospital discharge.

Remember F.A.S.T.: It Could Save Lives!

Brightshores Health System urges the public to remember F.A.S.T. when identifying stroke symptoms:

- **F – Face:** Is one side drooping?

- **A – Arms:** Can both arms be raised equally?

- **S – Speech:** Is speech slurred or incoherent?

- **T – Time:** Call 911 immediately!

Don’t attempt to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital if stroke symptoms are present. Paramedics are trained to recognize strokes, and calling 911 ensures that patients receive critical care en route to a specialized center.

Ryan Turner, Manager of Rehab & Stroke, notes, "Our team is equipped to act quickly and efficiently, providing seamless care throughout the stroke recovery process. Recognizing the signs and calling 911 can really make a significant difference!"

Preventing Strokes Is Possible!

Did you know that up to 80% of premature strokes can be avoided through healthy lifestyle choices? Eating well, staying active, quitting smoking, and managing blood pressure are key steps everyone can take.

Stay tuned to Brightshores' social media throughout June for invaluable tips on stroke education and prevention that could save lives!