A stroke is near the top of the list of medical emergencies. Time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke, so it's treated as a top priority in emergency rooms and healthcare settings. American Stroke Association F.A.S.T. Acronym put into action can save a life.
So, what exactly is a stroke? It’s when blood flow to part of the brain stops or reduces, meaning the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen or nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic stroke (when an artery gets blocked) and hemorrhagic stroke (when a blood vessel bursts). Both types can be harmful, leading to trouble moving, talking, or even death. Knowing the signs of a stroke is essential. F.A.S.T.: F - Face drooping: If someone’s face suddenly looks uneven when they try to smile, it could be a sign of a stroke. A-Arm weakness: If one of their arms is weak or numb, it might mean they're having a stroke. S - Speech difficulty: If their speech is suddenly weird or they can’t talk right, it’s time to act fast. T - Time to call for help: If you see any of these signs, don’t wait. Call emergency services right away and remember when the symptoms started. Acting quickly can make a difference.
Other signs of stroke include a sudden bad headache, feeling dizzy, or trouble seeing. While F.A.S.T. helps us notice stroke, it’s also important to watch for any other strange changes in how someone acts or feels. The best way to deal with stroke is to stop it from happening in the first place. That means living a healthy life: exercising often, eating good food, keeping a healthy weight, managing stress, and not smoking or drinking too much. These things can lower your chance of having a stroke. Also, it's good to know what might raise your risk of having a stroke, like getting older, having specific health problems, or having family members who've had strokes. If you talk to your doctor about these things, you can work together to keep healthy and lower your risk.
Stroke awareness is a collective responsibility. By sharing the signs and risks of stroke with your friends, family, and loved ones, you can help them recognize and respond to a stroke. Sharing knowledge could save a life, so let's do our part to spread this vital information. In the end, stroke is a significant emergency that needs fast action—knowing the F.A.S.T. signs and acting quickly when we see them can save lives and make strokes less scary. Let’s all promise to be watchful, ready, and smart in the fight against stroke.
Please join us on May 16, 2024, at 7 p.m. for our monthly 45-minute Caregivers Support and Information Zoom meeting. This Meeting is designed to provide a platform for caregivers and Baby Boomers looking forward to retirement or seeking financial security during retirement to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. You are just a click away. Get the link on the website www.comeoutreach.org. Click on the “Let’s Talk” postcard.
Diane Cooper
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