Tip of the Week 1 – Know Stroke Symptoms
Stroke strikes F.A.S.T. and you should, too! Many people don’t know that if you can recognize the symptoms of a stroke you can save not only your life, but maybe the life of someone else. Being able to recognize symptoms and to understand that they signal an emergency, you are able to seek medical attention quickly. Treatment exists to minimize the effects of stroke; however it must be given within 3 hours of the first symptom. It is easy for people to recognize stroke symptoms by learning to act F.A.S.T. and calling 9-1-1.
F=Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A=Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S=Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?
T=Time If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call 9-1-1.
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Great reminder on stroke, and glad to see “FAST” employed, the only proven way to help people remember the signs of stroke.
Download/watch the official FAST video, and print out FAST posters and brochures for free at:
http://www.MAClearinghouse.com/CatalogPageHDSP.htm
(Just click on the catalog number, e.g., #HD2101, to access the FAST artwork. We mail materials, too, but please note that we charge “cost,” plus shipping to send to addreses outside of Mass.)