Blog

National Stroke Awareness Month

  • May 13, 2024

Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world, with an estimated 17 million strokes yearly (American Stroke Association). One alarming statistic about stroke is that Black adults are 45% more likely to die from stroke than their counterparts (ASA).

Stroke occurs due to a blockage of blood flow to the brain.  This blockage prevents the brain from receiving necessary oxygen and nutrient from the blood.  A stroke is a serious mental emergency that can cause brain damage, disability, paralysis or death.

That being said it is important quickly recognize signs of a stroke, because every minute counts.

BE FAST (Virginia Department of Health):

  • Balance: Loss of Balance
  • Eyes: Blurred Vision
  • Face: one side of face drooping
  • Arms: Arm or Leg Weakness
  • Speech: Slurred speech
  • Time: Time to call 911

Having a stroke puts you at risk of a second stoke.  To lower risk you should consider:

  • Eating Healthy
  • Maintaining Healthy Weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Don’t smoke

Whittier hosts a multitude of services to prevent and manage stroke. Our Adult Medicine Department provides comprehensive preventative care and disease management to patients over age 18.  Our physicians and nurse practitioners provide a range of care from routine physicals to acute illnesses and can arrange for specialty care at the center or at any of Boston’s top hospitals, if necessary.

For additional information about chronic disease management at Whittier Street Health Center please visit: https://www.wshc.org/services/adult-medicine/  or contact (617) 858-2432.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).