Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies from one.
These aren’t just statistics—they represent parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends. That’s why May, recognized as Stroke Awareness Month, is so important. At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we believe awareness saves lives. By understanding the signs, risk factors, and how to respond, we can all play a part in reducing the impact of stroke in our community.
💡 What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. There are two main types of stroke:
Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking or narrowing an artery to the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a blood vessel in the brain leaking or bursting.
There’s also a third type: a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” which is a temporary blockage of blood flow that doesn’t cause permanent damage but is a serious warning sign.
🧠 Know the Warning Signs: Act F.A.S.T.
The sooner a stroke is identified, the greater the chances of recovery. Acting quickly can prevent lasting brain damage—or save a life. Learn the acronym F.A.S.T.:
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
Time: Time to call 911. Don’t wait.
Other symptoms can include:
Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side)
Confusion or trouble understanding
Blurred or double vision
Trouble walking or loss of balance
A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
🩺 Risk Factors: What You Can Control
Stroke risk increases with age, but it’s not just a condition of the elderly—strokes can occur at any age. Fortunately, many risk factors are manageable with proper care. Key ones include:
High blood pressure – the #1 preventable cause of stroke
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking or vaping
Obesity and physical inactivity
Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Even small lifestyle changes—like improving your diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and staying on top of medications—can significantly reduce your risk.
💊 How Mountain Care Pharmacy Supports Stroke Prevention
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we understand that managing chronic conditions can be overwhelming—especially for seniors, caregivers, or individuals in long-term care. That’s where we come in.
While we are a closed-door pharmacy (meaning we don’t have a retail storefront), we proudly support patients, facilities, and care teams through services such as:
Custom medication packaging (blister packs or multi-dose cards) that simplify daily regimens
Timely medication delivery to avoid missed doses
Education and resources to help patients and caregivers understand chronic disease management
Seamless transitions of care after stroke, hospital discharge, or hospice admission
Collaboration with clinical teams to ensure safety, adherence, and proper medication reviews
Our team is always just a call or email away, ready to help you navigate medication management with confidence.
🧰 Be Prepared: What to Keep at Home
In a stroke emergency, every second counts. Here’s what we recommend having on hand:
A current medication list, including dosages and prescribing physicians
Emergency contact information and healthcare provider numbers
Awareness of your own stroke risk factors
Knowledge of stroke symptoms—and confidence to act F.A.S.T. if they appear
If you’re a caregiver, talk with your loved ones about your stroke emergency plan, and know the nearest hospital equipped to handle strokes.
💙 Our Message This May
Stroke awareness isn’t just about understanding—it’s about action.
Whether it’s checking in with your doctor, encouraging a loved one to manage their blood pressure, or making sure your medications are up to date, the steps you take today can prevent a tragedy tomorrow.
At Mountain Care Pharmacy, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in your care journey. We’re here to support our patients, families, and facilities not just during Stroke Awareness Month, but every day of the year.
If you have questions about medication management, stroke prevention, or how we can help support your residents or loved ones, don’t hesitate to reach out.
