Brush up on stroke risk factors and symptoms to protect your health



Tucson, AZ 11/5/2024



In the midst of all the gifts and good times, the holiday season may also involve a higher risk of experiencing a medical emergency – including stroke (a life-threatening emergency involving disruption or blockage of blood flow to the brain). Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery.


Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery.

 

The holiday season – from Halloween through New Year’s Day – can mean we pay less attention to our health than usual. For example, celebrations often include rich foods and alcohol – and busier social calendars that leave less time for exercise and sleep. Additional stress from party preparations; shopping for gifts; increased expenses or traveling; and many other holiday activities can affect your body. Cold weather can, too.

 

Taken together, all these elements can increase your blood pressure or trigger heart arrhythmias and blood clotting disorders – all of which can raise your risk of stroke.

 

“During this time of year, it’s important to give yourself time to sleep and relax – and to be mindful about what you eat, drink, and do. A little extra care can go a long way to reduce your odds of an unexpected visit to the ER for stroke or any other reason,” said Austin White, MSN-ED, RN, a Stroke Coordinator with Northwest Healthcare. “It’s wise to balance indulgent treats with healthy choices; make time for physical activity; connect with friends and family, and make sure you know the signs and symptoms of stroke.”

 

Stroke risk increases with age, but strokes can and do occur at any age, so it is vital to recognize the symptoms and get help without delay. Stroke symptoms can be remembered with the acronym F-A-S-T, which stands for:

 

·        Face drooping

·        Arm weakness on one side

·        Speech difficulty/slurring

·        Time to call 9-1-1

 

“If you or someone you’re with experiences these symptoms, take action and call 9-1-1 for an ambulance quickly,” White added. “Don’t drive to the emergency room yourself. Every second makes a difference, so even if you’re not sure that what you’re experiencing or witnessing is a stroke, get immediate evaluation and treatment by paramedics and emergency medicine technicians - who will communicate with the ER staff while they take you to the hospital. A timely diagnosis of stroke can help to save your brain function, and even your life.”

 

Stroke remains the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery.

 

Providers at all Northwest Healthcare Emergency Departments – as well as our free-standing Emergency departments in Vail and Marana – are available throughout the holidays if you need them. Please note that Northwest Medical Center holds Primary Stroke Center Certification by the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program. Northwest Medical Center at Houghton holds Gold Seal™ Designation certification by the Joint Commission as an Accredited Advanced Primary Stroke Center. Oro Valley Hospital holds Primary Stroke Center Gold Seal™ designation from The Joint Commission.

 

About Northwest Healthcare

Northwest Healthcare is an integrated healthcare provider committed to delivering Tucson and surrounding communities with high quality, accessible healthcare. Northwest Healthcare includes Northwest Medical Center, Oro Valley Hospital, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita, Northwest Medical Center Houghton, Northwest Emergency Centers in Vail and Marana, Northwest Urgent Cares, Northwest Women’s Center, Northwest Primary & Specialty Care, Northwest Tucson Surgery Center, Tucson Surgery Center and Northwest Transitions, an inpatient rehabilitation facility. To learn more, visit HealthierTucson.com

Northwest Healthcare offers Live Healthy, a free e-newsletter with a monthly dose of health and wellness inspiration sent directly to your inbox. Sign up at healthiertucson.com/enewsletter-sign-up-thank-you

Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation

September 9, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future PHOENIX — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training. “Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.” Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in Arizona include: · Arizona Educational Foundation’s (AEF) teachSTEM Program Since 2024, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the AEF’s teachSTEM program. The program provides educators with hands-on STEM training, resources, and mentorship, while inspiring students to explore and pursue STEM careers. The program has reached more than 5,000 students, 78% of whom attend Title I schools. · Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program. · Girls in STEM at the Arizona Science Center The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported the Arizona Science Center’s Girls in STEM program since 2021. This initiative introduces girls in grades 4-8 to science and engineering through hands-on activities and mentorship. These experiences help students explore STEM concepts and envision careers in the field. · Natural Gas Program at Estrella Mountain Community College Southwest Gas partners with Estrella Mountain Community College on a hands-on Natural Gas Program that introduces students to careers in the utility and construction industries. Courses taught by current Southwest Gas employees provide experience with tools and safety practices used in the field. · Share the Spirit Shoes for Kids With the support of a $5,000 contribution from the Southwest Gas Foundation, Southwest Gas employees partnered with the Share the Spirit Foundation to provide 90 students from Title I schools with new shoes and socks during the Shoes for Kids event on August 28. As part of the Company’s volunteer program BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere), Southwest Gas employees served as personal shoppers, helping the students select new shoes that fit comfortably and help boost their confidence as they begin the school year. · Summer Internship Program Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program. Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community. About Southwest Gas Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com. About The Southwest Gas Foundation The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
Show More