Would you know if you, a loved one or a co-worker were having a stroke?
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. More than 795,000 people have a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off as a result of a blocked or burst blood vessel. Anyone at any age can have a stroke.
The acronym FAST provide an easy way to remember and detect the signs of a stroke:
• F — Face. Look at the person’s face. Is it drooping?
• A — Arms. Is the person able to raise both arms or does one arm drift downward?
• S — Speech. Is the person slurring when he or she talks?
• T — Time. If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.
It’s important to note the time that the symptoms first appeared. That will be critical information for the medical response team in administering medical treatment.
The Wellness LiteBlue page has additional information on stroke and stroke prevention.