On Friday, October 5th, LifeNet EMS setup a “Stroke Zone” at the Genoa Central High School 2018 Homecoming football game.  The event was designed to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke in the community.

On average, 1200 Arkansans die each year from stroke, and across the county, it is estimated that someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.  Many people have  catastrophic results because they did not recognize the symptoms quick enough to get treatment.

Through a partnership with Arkansas Saves, LifeNet was able to distribute more than 200 BEFAST Magnets to football fans.  Additionally, fans had the opportunity to play a game that demonstrated the serious long term effects of stroke.

BEFAST  stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, and Time.

In addition to Friday night’s game at Genoa Central High School, LifeNet will also setup the “Stroke Zone” at two additional Arkansas football games, including:

• October 12th at Lake Hamilton High School’s Wolves Stadium
• October 19th at Arkansas High School’s Razorback Stadium

According to the Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.  Anyone, regardless of age, can have a stroke.  When this happens, brain cells don’t get the blood and oxygen that they need to survive and nerve cells stop working within minutes, affecting the part of the body they control.  Immediate treatment has been shown to minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

To learn more about the events, call 903-556-0301.