News

Recognize the Signs of a Stroke

October 27, 2014
Posted by AAIP News on 10/27/2014   The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, sponsored by global healthcare product company Covidien, teaches the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people recognize common warning signs of stroke. F.A.S.T. stands for:    F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?  A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?  S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand?  T – Time to call 9-1-1: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.  
  • This year, 795,000 people in the United States will have a stroke – one every 40 seconds. About 610,000 of them will be first stroke events. Other than a previous stroke, major stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, transient ischemic attack (TIA), , atrial fibrillation, smoking and carotid artery disease.

 

  • In recognition of World Stroke Day on October 29, take a moment to download a free mobile app to help you to recognize a stroke quickly and get help fast. The Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. app includes a map of award-winning local hospitals and 9-1-1 may be called directly from the app.

 

  • The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and AARP Caregiving are joining together for a Google+ Hangout on Air from noon to 1 p.m. EDT on Oct. 28. An expert panel will take your questions on family caregiving and stroke.