Statewide Iowa (Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Department of Public Health was happy to find the state in the minority following a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the number of deaths from strokes nationwide.
DPH Health Systems Coordinator Terry Meek says the numbers in most states increased or held steady in the report — but not here.
Meek says the biggest factor in the Iowa’s ability to lower stroke deaths is linked to money it received from the CDC.
That targeted program included education that highlighted the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and encouraged people to immediately call 911 at the first signs of stroke.
They also strengthened the stroke identification and care at the Comprehensive Stroke and Primary Stroke Centers in Iowa, along with changing the E-M-S protocols to include immediate transfer of stroke patients to the closest and highest level of stroke center.
The quicker treatment and transports led to fewer deaths. Meek says the state also developed the Iowa Stroke Registry with the University of Iowa to help track what is going on. She says you can help continue to improve its stroke death rate in Iowa by taking steps to prevent strokes.
Meek says you can recognize the signs of stroke by remembering “F.A.S.T.” The Face — Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?; Arms –Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downwards?; Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?; and Time — If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For more information on heart disease and stroke visit the Iowa Department of Public Health’s website.
