Stroke is the third leading cause of death among Americans. Within the state of Maryland, St. Mary's County has the second-highest death rate from strokes, with African Americans being especially at risk. The statistics are devastating, but something is being done to turn the tide against stroke.

Through early diagnosis and rapid intervention, including the latest in drug therapy, patients in our community are less likely to sustain the drastic, permanent disabilities commonly associated with stroke.

Although the disease is a powerful enemy, you can control some risk factors to lower your chance of stroke. Dr. J. Patrick Jarboe, a family physician practicing with Shah Associates, M.D., P.A., offers these prevention strategies:

• Don't smoke.
• Get blood pressure checked regularly.
• Eat a low-fat diet that includes five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit alcohol to one drink a day.
• Take medications as prescribed to lower cholesterol or blood pressure, or to thin your blood if necessary.
  

It is especially important, Dr. Jarboe emphasizes, to know the warning signs and seek medical help immediately. These warning signs include:

• sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
• sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
• loss of speech or trouble talking
• sudden severe headache with no known or apparent cause
• unexplained dizziness or unsteadiness

Through the Health Connections program, St. Mary's Hospital offers "Stroke Smart" classes to help people learn how to lower their risk. Click here for more information on Stroke and prevention.

Contact Information:
Stroke Intervention
Main: 301-475-6019

St. Mary's Hospital Mailing Address:
25500 Point Lookout Road
P.O. Box 527
Leonardtown, Maryland 20650
Main: 301-475-8981