People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts, have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease, and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. Additionally, rural communities experience unique challenges related to scarcity of resources, such as health care professional staffing and support. Trinity Health Shelby is committed to changing that.
Angela Schiller is the Trauma and Stroke Coordinator at Trinity Health in Shelby and she's one incredible team member at the smaller rural care facility. In fact, she's been the driving force behind making sure that Oceana County has the same stabilization and diagnostic options that any other hospital would have. A smaller community shouldn't equal any less care when it comes to emergency situations like a stroke, the team at Trinity Health Lakeshore are a very close knit team that works like family to make sure the best care is provided when it's needed most.
A stroke prevents blood from getting to your brain. There are three different kinds of strokes. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, or hemorrhages. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini stroke,” produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting effects. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce the risk of having a major stroke. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is best remembered by an acronym. "BE FAST"
• B - Balance (Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination)
• E – Eyes (Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes)
• F – Face (Sudden severe headache with no known cause or face looks uneven)
• A – Arms (Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arms or legs, especially on
one side of the body)
• S – Speech (Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, or slurred
speech)
• T – Time (Make note of the time that symptoms started. Time to call 9-1-1!)
Angela takes the time to help you understand all the signs and symptoms as well as the treatments available in any local Trinity Health campus. If you find yourself in need of stroke car, Muskegon to Shelby, you'll know that your in the best hands possible to help. Our thanks to Angela for joining us today and our very best wishes to the staff at Trinity Health Lakeshore as they settle in for a busy tourism season in the northern tier of the area!
