CLAY COUNTY — Every 40 seconds in the U.S., someone has a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And every 3 minutes and 11 seconds, someone dies as a result. 

That’s why those at Right at Home of Jacksonville say it's important to stay diligent and act quickly in the case of these medical emergencies . 

“May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and it’s just all about...the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms in your friends and family, the people that you know. And acting quickly,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Isabelle Miranda. 

Right at Home is a home health care service offering care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two main types of strokes that can occur – an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic one. 

An ischemic stroke occurs when blood supply is cut off or reduced to part of the brain. As a result, brain tissue is blocked from getting oxygen, and nutrients and the cells begin to die. 

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when blood vessels in the brain leak or burst, resulting in a brain bleed. This increased pressure damages the brain cells.

Miranda said that strokes can occur for many different reasons. These include high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol, smoking and even obesity. 

“Just having a very sedentary lifestyle. I know heavy alcohol use, family history, age, all that plays a part,” she said. 

When looking out for the signs that someone is having a stroke, Miranda said it's important to BE FAST. 

The B stands for balance, representing a person’s loss of coordination. The E stands for eyes, representing any erratic eye movements. The F stands for face, representing any face drooping. The A for arm weakness and the S is for slurred speech. 

Miranda said that T is knowing that it’s time to call 911. 

“That’s usually a really quick way to say all right, this is an issue, let’s get somebody on the phone as fast as possible,” she said. “With strokes, it is not a wait-and-see situation. You have to handle it as fast as possible.”

Lack of treatment for a stroke can ultimately lead to temporary, and sometimes permanent, complications, including paralysis, memory loss and trouble talking, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

Miranda said that beyond the month of May, staying educated, informed and in constant communication with a medical professional —and your community — is important.

“I suggest you always look at your local community and you seek support groups or medical professionals that are in your area that can really help you, either get better from what has just occurred or maybe prevent it from happening again.”

Miranda added that if anyone is in need of recovery assistance, Right at Home is there to help by contacting (904) 201-3566 or visiting https://www.rightathome.net/jacksonville