Stroke awareness

May is stroke awareness month. A stroke can really change life in an instant. Here are a few tips to help you recognize a stroke. FAST is one way to remember,

F is for facial weakness - is the person able to smile or is their face drooping,
A is for arms - ask them to hold their arms in the air- are they having trouble with one arm?
S is for speech - are they slurring or unable to get words out?
T is for time - if any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately. There is a treatment Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) available that can prevent further damage and even reverse damage done by a stroke, however you need to be diagnosed and treated within 3 hours or it isn't an option.

Other symptoms to be aware of are sudden or severe headaches and vision loss, double vision or blurry vision, especially if accompanied by dizziness or lack of balance and coordination.

Strokes aren't prejudice, they can strike anyone at any age, please make yourself aware of these symptoms, they could help you save a life.