Cartersville, Ga. - As families prepare for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, Piedmont Healthcare is urging the community to be aware of a critical but often overlooked health risk: strokes.
Research shows that more strokes occur between
November and February than any other time of year.
“While the holidays are a time of joy and togetherness, they also bring unique health challenges,” said Dr. Mark Senger, Chief Medical Officer at Piedmont Cartersville. “Factors such as rich holiday foods, alcohol consumption, increased stress, lack of sleep, and cold weather can all contribute to elevated blood pressure and heart rhythm changes, which increase stroke risk.”
Several seasonal factors play a role:
- Dietary indulgence and alcohol can raise blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Stress from travel, shopping, and social obligations can strain the cardiovascular system.
- Reduced sleep and exercise weaken overall health.
- Cold weather constricts blood vessels and thickens blood, increasing clotting risk.
These conditions can trigger heart arrhythmias and clot formation—two major contributors to stroke.
Know the Warning Signs
Piedmont reminds everyone to act FAST if stroke symptoms occur:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
“Quick action saves lives,” added Dr. Senger. “If you or a loved one experiences sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or vision changes, seek emergency care immediately.”
For more information on stroke prevention and treatment, visit piedmont.org/stroke.
About Piedmont
Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, cost-effective, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 2,171 physical locations we care for more than 4.5 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 26 hospitals, 112 immediate care locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and more than 3,600 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 560,000 online appointments and over 120,000 virtual visits. With nearly 50,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. Piedmont provided more than $607 million in community impact in Fiscal Year 2024.
For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.
