ARMC hosts ‘Go Red for Women’ event to raise awareness of stroke prevention

On Feb. 7, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) hosted its annual Go Red for Women event, dedicated to educating women on stroke prevention and overall heart health. The event brought together health care professionals and community members to emphasize the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of strokes.

Attendees heard from health experts who discussed key risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and obesity. Physicians and specialists provided guidance on how to adopt heart-healthy habits, including maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, getting regular physical activity, and managing stress effectively.

The event featured heart-healthy snacks and interactive discussions on the signs and symptoms of stroke, reinforcing the critical importance of recognizing the warning signs. An easy way to remember the warning signs is the FAST acronym:

• F = Face drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
• A = Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred?
• T = Time to call 911 – A stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

For more information about the signs of stroke, please visit: www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms.