Mega Doctor News
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring the month of May 2024 as “Stroke Awareness Month” in the City of Pharr. Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability and the third leading cause of death in the State of Texas. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds and every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke. In the Rio Grande Valley, approximately 3,600 people are hospitalized annually due to stroke and there were at least 196 deaths in 2023.
It is estimated that only about 17% of patients suffering from a stroke in the Rio Grande Valley arrive at a hospital within 1 hour of their stroke onset because the community members do not recognize stroke or understand the importance of calling 911 immediately. Stroke warning signs can be recognized using the acronym BE FAST (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time) which include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understandings; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headaches with no known cause. Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs at DHR Health, Irene Lares, RN, MSN, Vice President of Neuroscience at DHR Health, and Dr. Patricia M. Fernandez, M.D., MBA accepted the proclamation.
“We want to thank the City of Pharr for the educational support and collaboration you allow us to continue to provide the community as we work together to enhance stroke awareness,” said Lizcano while accepting the proclamation. Dr. Fernandez added, “Stroke is the main cause of disability and death in Texas, and we thank you for helping our community, friends, and family raise awareness about this important health issue.” Throughout this important month, the City of Pharr is dedicated to expanding educational awareness and advocacy to help identify strokes and raise awareness of the importance of acting quickly.
