May, National Stroke Awareness Month #2
Continuing the theme, below is more critical data from the American Stroke Association (National Stroke Association, www.stroke.org).
Stroke Strikes FAST, so B.E. F.A.S.T.
B = BALANCE: Ask the person if they are dizzy
E = EYES: Ask the person to count your fingers
F = FACE: Ask the person to smile
A = ARM: Ask the person to raise both arms
S = SPEECH: Ask the person to speak a simple sentence
T = TIME: Call 9-1-1 immediately if you observe any of these signs
Additional Stroke Symptoms
Sudden and severe headache
Sudden numbness, like pins & needles
Sudden weakness, one-sided
Excuses, People Don’t Respond to Symptoms
Don’t recognize symptoms
Denial
Think nothing can be done
Worry about the cost of going to the hospital
Think symptoms will go away
Fear or don’t trust hospitals
Prevention
Many strokes are preventable if attention is paid to pre-existing medical conditions and control lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise.
Stop smoking
Lower your blood pressure
Manage Afib, find out if you have atrial fibrillation (Afib)
Drink alcohol in moderation, if you drink
Lower your cholesterol
Control diabetes
Stop using illegal drugs
Exercise daily
Eat a lower sodium (salt) and lower fat diet
If you have circulation problems, work with your healthcare professional to improve your circulation