Stroke is the third leading cause of death in this country, and can be a cause of serious disability. 700,000 people will have a new or recurrent stroke each year and New Jersey ranks third in the number of strokes among residents. Often caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke is a medical emergency
For most people, high blood pressure has no noticeable symptoms, but can cause the heart muscle to stretch and thicken. Over time hypertension may cause the heart to stop pumping effectively. Organs such as the kidneys and brain are then deprived of oxygen and proper nutrients.
Health Officer John Hopper and the Paramus Board of Health would like you to know the warning signs of a stroke:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache without a cause
If you believe that you or someone is having a stroke call 9-1-1 immediately. Hospital Emergency Rooms are often able to give “clotbusters” that can limit the serious side effects of a stroke, but only if they are administered within four hours of the stroke onset.
High blood pressure can happen to anyone. Individuals are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure if they are overweight, smoke, have a diet high in fat, lack exercise, use alcohol heavily, are sensitive to salt in their diet or under emotional stress. Post-menopausal women are more likely to be found with high blood pressure than their younger sisters, and sometimes it runs in families. It’s just as likely, though, that someone can have high blood pressure and not even know it.
High Blood pressure is easily identifiable. Board of Health member Kathleen Rinaldi invites you to participate in a hypertension/stroke screening offered by the Paramus Board of Health nurses. Residents are welcome to have their blood pressure checked at Borough Hall on May 5th from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Nurses will also be available in their office on May 23rd from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., and at Our Lady of Visitation Church after all masses on May 18th from 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.
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