On World Stroke Day, the Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN) joins health care providers across the globe in raising awareness about stroke, a leading cause of serious long-term disability and a condition that impacts approximately 800,000 people annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While strokes are often associated with older adults, they are increasingly affecting younger populations due to risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use. Stroke can strike anyone, at any age, making education, prevention, and early detection more critical than ever.

“Stroke can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time,” said Dr. Dennys Reyes, interventional neurologist at Delray Medical Center. “What’s most important is recognizing the signs quickly and calling 911 right away. Rapid treatment can make the difference between a full recovery and permanent disability.”

Strokes occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Over 87 percent of strokes in the U.S. are ischemic, caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. These types of strokes can often be treated effectively if the patient reaches the hospital in time.

“We have advanced technology and specialized teams ready to respond immediately,” said Dr. Daniel Vela-Duarte, interventional neurologist at St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Every minute counts. The faster a patient gets care, the greater their chances for a better outcome.”

Palm Beach County residents are fortunate to have access to comprehensive stroke care across PBHN. The network includes two Comprehensive Stroke Centers at Delray Medical Center and St. Mary’s Medical Center, as well as three Primary Stroke Centers at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center. These centers provide critical, life-saving care.

The CDC advises the public to BE FAST when a stroke is suspected:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes: Sudden vision changes, blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision in one eye.
• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms? Does one drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

Timing is everything when it comes to stroke care. Early intervention can prevent serious brain damage and increase the chances of a full recovery. Be aware of the signs, and don’t hesitate to seek help if stroke is suspected.

The Palm Beach Health Network is offering free stroke assessments and support:

• Stroke Survivors Support Group: November 19^th @ St. Mary’s Medical Center (repeats every 4^th Wednesday monthly)
• On October 29^th, St. Mary’s Medical Center’s neuro-interventionalist Dr. Daniel Vela-Duarte will be speaking, helping raise stroke awareness at the Mandell Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach. The event begins at 2pm.
• On October 29^th, from 9am to 11am, Delray Medical Center is offering a free stroke assessment in their Legacy Lobby, near the Starbucks and giftshop.
• On October 29^th from 9am to 11am, Florida Coast Medical Center is offering a free stroke assessment.

For more information on stroke care, prevention, and recovery services available through Palm Beach Health Network, click here.

About Palm Beach Health Network

The Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN), comprising six hospitals and care centers spanning Palm Beach County, is the largest healthcare network in Palm Beach County. Our hospitals, including Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Florida Coast Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center, along with a large multi-specialty physician group, various ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient diagnostic facilities, is recognized for providing the highest quality healthcare, combining cutting-edge health services with patient-centric care. With the greatest longevity in the community, along with hospitals and care centers that span the entirety of Palm Beach County, more patients trust PBHN than any other in the region.