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

Stockton, Calif. (May 7, 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.

“Preventing stroke starts with awareness—knowing the risk factors and the signs that a stroke is occurring,” shares Dr. Michael Herrera, Chief Medical Officer with St. Joseph's Medical Center. “This Stroke Awareness Month, we are committed to helping individuals take proactive steps toward brain health—for themselves and for the people who depend 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. Learn more about St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s Primary Stroke Center services at DignityHealth.org/stockton/stroke. 

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About St. Joseph’s Medical Center 
Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center is a not-for-profit, fully accredited, regional hospital with 355 beds, a physician staff of over 700, and more than 2,700 employees. Specializing in cardiovascular care, comprehensive cancer services, and women and children's services, St. Joseph's is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health care services with special attention to the poor and underserved. As a Sponsoring Institution for Graduate Medical Education, St. Joseph’s supports rapidly growing educational programs for both resident physicians and medical students. In addition to being nationally recognized as a quality leader, St. Joseph's is consistently chosen as the "most preferred hospital" by local consumers. St. Joseph's is the largest hospital, as well as one of the largest private employers in San Joaquin County. Founded in 1899 by Fr. William O'Connor and administered by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, St. Joseph's continues to lead the region in medical innovation. St. Joseph's Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health/CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit Catholic health system with care sites across 21 states dedicated to advancing health for all people. For more information, please visit DignityHealth.org/Stockton.