The Hospitals of Providence raised awareness by holding its annual Strides Against Stroke Walk.  Due to the current health crisis, this year’s walk went virtual to keep participants safe while also raising awareness and educating the public about one of the country’s largest health risks, stroke. 

Participants across El Paso picked their favorite trail or neighborhood to walk, while wearing red, and snapped photos of themselves to post on social media to raise awareness on the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke. 

“Although we weren’t all together as in previous years, this was a great way to get outdoors and walk for such an important cause,” said Cristina Ramirez, stroke coordinator for The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus.  “We had stroke survivors, family members and friends all participate to make a difference.”

800,000 strokes are reported annually in the United States and 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through education and care.  Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease which can be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke).

“Knowing your risk for stroke and visiting regularly with your doctor is the best way to prevent a stroke from occurring,” said Dr. Kevin Cowens, neurologist for Providence Neuroscience Associates.  “Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your risk of stroke down.” 

Know the Signs of Stroke

It’s important for El Paso residents to know the following warning signs of stroke and teach them to others – because with stroke, every second counts.   We remind the community to recognize the signs of stroke with the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T.

• Balance – loss of balance, headache, or dizziness
• Eyes – Blurred vision
• Face – One side of the face is drooping
• Arms – Arm or leg weakness
• Speech – Speech difficulty
• Time – Time to call for ambulance immediately.