Stroke Symptoms

Hey guys! Here is a great way that I found from the National Stroke Association to remember the symptoms of a stroke! It's called "Act F.A.S.T."

FACE	Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS	Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH	Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
TIME	If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to the hospital fast. Brain cells are dying.

An additional method that can be used when one suspects a stroke is as follows: SUDDEN numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially one side of the body. SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking/understanding. SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes. SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. SUDDEN severe headache .

I also found some surprising statistics including the one which stated that twice as many women die from stroke every year than from breast cancer. I also found it interesting that strokes are preventable. Here are the guidelines offered on how to prevent a stroke:

Stroke Prevention Guidelines

Know your blood pressure. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation. If you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Find out if you have high cholesterol If you are diabetic... Exercise. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet. Circulation (movement of the blood through the heart and blood vessels) problems. Know the Symptoms of Stroke.

All this information came from www.stroke.org.