05/28/2026
“The inspiring thing is the patients themselves. Stroke is a condition where tons of people get so much better and it’s amazing to see them recover. It's a rewarding position to be in to be able to help people through that.”
In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, our Stroke Medical Director, Dr. Matthew Ostrander, shares insights on how we can all play a role in stroke prevention and embrace a positive outlook on recovery. 💙
“A lot of people hesitate to call for help. They might think their problems aren’t that bad, but always ask people if whatever is happening, stays permanent - would it be a big deal? The sooner they get seen, the more options there are for treatment. When you call 911 is so critical.”
Whether focusing on recovery or prevention, Dr. Ostrander emphasizes that steady, meaningful progress begins with small, consistent steps.
“Sedentary lifestyles are very dangerous, so I encourage people to try to incorporate more activity, eat better and reinforce how dangerous smoking is. Things don’t need to be perfect. It’s more about progress. Even in life, it’s all about trying to move forward. [Focus on the] little steps instead of trying to get everything done all at once."
To learn more about the signs of stroke and our program, visit http://northmemorial.com/stroke
