Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010 - (Page 3)

Q&A Ask the Doctors troke is the third leading cause of death in this country behind heart disease and cancer. On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 40 to 45 seconds. We asked three doctors to answer questions about stroke. For Your HealtH By Olivia Mayer S 20 percent of the oxygen supply of the body. The brain of a stroke victim suffers rapid and irreversible damage unless therapy is begun as soon as possible. Mihaela Alexander, M.D., neurologist, director of neurology and the stroke program at Littleton Adventist Hospital (Note: Littleton Adventist Hospital is a Joint Commission-designated Primary Stroke Center.) What you need to know about stroke Q What does it mean that Porter was designated a Primary Stroke Center? Porter Adventist Hospital achieved designation as a certified Primary Stroke Center in December 2009. This distinction indicates our commit­ ment to excellent care of patients afflicted with stroke. On a personal level, this certification is very rewarding. I have been Porter’s director of neurology for four years, and we have always taken pride in the manner we treat all patients at Porter, including our stroke patients. This certification provides important recognition on a national level. Further­ more, it motivates us to con­ tinue our hard work and to continually look for ways to improve. Adam Wolff, M.D., neurologist, neurophysiologist and director of neurology at Porter Adventist Hospital Mihaela Alexander, M.D. Q Why is it recommended that you call 911 if you think someone is having a stroke versus driving the person yourself? Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Stroke patients who present to the emergency room within four and half hours of symptom onset may be able to receive an IV “clot busting” medication called tPA, which has been shown to reduce future disability in ischemic stroke patients. Many studies, including data from the Colorado Stroke Alliance, have shown that patients who arrive via ambulance are much more likely to receive IV tPA than patients who come in by pri­ vate vehicle. Additionally, paramedics can help stabilize patients en route to the ER. I highly recommend calling 911 immediately if one is experiencing any stroke symptoms. Ravi Shah, M.D., neurologist, stroke director at Parker Adventist Hospital Adam Wolff, M.D. Q What do you mean by the phrase “time is brain”? When a stroke strikes, every second counts. With each minute without oxygen, 2 million neurons die in the brain tissue, 14 billion syn­ apses are lost and 7.5 miles of nerve fibers are destroyed. Although the brain accounts for only 2 percent of the body’s weight, it consumes Ravi Shah, M.D. Vim & Vigor • Fal l 2010 3 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010

Vim &_Vigor - Fall 2010
Contents
Nurturing Health
For Your Health
Network of Care
Study Skills
What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?
See the Future
The Female Factor
Take a Bite Out of Stress
Starring Role
Shouldering the Pain
Train Your Brain
What Now?
Choose Your Own Adventure
Vein Pain
The Ultimate Gift
Better Bones
Relatively Speaking
Joint Ventures

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2010

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