Dignity Health Sounds the Alarm: Simple Steps Could Prevent 80% of Strokes

San Luis Obispo, Calif. (May 13, 2025) –  As Stroke Awareness Month begins this May, Dignity Health is urging individuals to learn the signs of stroke and take proactive steps to reduce their risk—especially as 4 in 5 strokes are preventable, according to the CDC. This underscores the critical need for increased awareness and prevention.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), stroke remains a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022, nearly 160,000 lives were lost to stroke—equating to one death every three and a half minutes. These sobering statistics underscore the critical importance of recognizing warning signs and acting fast.

The encouraging news is that up to 80% of strokes are preventable through healthy lifestyle changes and by managing key risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Matthew Scales, Emergency Department Director at Dignity Health French Hospital Medical Center, stresses the importance of knowledge in stroke prevention: "Be aware of the risk factors and signs of stroke. This Stroke Awareness Month, we're dedicated to empowering people to take action for their brain health and the well-being of those who rely on them."

To help reduce the risk of stroke, Dignity Health recommends the following tips:

• Know your numbers: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in a healthy range through regular check-ups.

• Eat a brain-healthy diet: Choose nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and healthy fats such as olive oil and nuts.

• Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to help maintain a healthy weight and support brain health.

• Quit smoking: Smoking doubles your risk of stroke—seek support and resources to help you stop.

• Limit alcohol: Excessive drinking can increase blood pressure and stroke risk. Stick to moderate consumption guidelines.

• Act F.A.S.T.: Learn the warning signs of stroke using the F.A.S.T. acronym—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1.

Dignity Health hospitals offer access to specialized stroke care teams and advanced treatment protocols to provide lifesaving care when every second counts. Dignity Health physicians are committed to supporting their patients at every step of their stroke prevention journey, from early risk assessment to recovery and long-term wellness.               

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About French Hospital Medical Center
French Hospital Medical Center is a state-of-the-art, 98-bed acute care hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. French’s Oppenheimer Family Center for Emergency Medicine is the area’s most advanced emergency services center. The modern facility is home to the Copeland, Forbes, and Rossi Cardiac Care Center, San Luis Obispo County’s premier cardiac center, providing the latest cardiac and imaging technology, and the Hearst Cancer Resource Center offering free education, resources and support to cancer patients and their families. French Hospital has earned straight “A’s” in Hospital Safety since 2012 from the Leapfrog Group and holds a 5 star Overall Hospital rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.   Learn more at dignityhealth.org/frenchhospital.

About Dignity Health Central Coast
Seven award-winning hospitals comprise Dignity Health Central Coast: Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo, all recognized for their quality of care, safety, and service.

Additionally, Dignity Health Central Coast has a network of nearly 50 physician offices known as Pacific 

Central Coast Health Centers that include primary care, cancer care and various specialty offices. Dignity Health Central Coast also includes premier ambulatory surgery centers, technologically advanced imaging centers, outpatient services, and comprehensive home health services. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/centralcoast.

About Dignity Health California 
Dignity Health California is a nonprofit network of over 9000 physicians, more than 35,000 employees, 29 acute care hospitals, and 200-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Dignity Health California provides award-winning care to communities in five primary markets across the state: North State, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California. 

Dignity Health is a member of CommonSpirit Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Learn more at DignityHealth.org and CommonSpirit.org.