Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke somewhere in the United States! Around 80% of all strokes are preventable. If we all learn the signs and symptoms of a stroke, we can help save a life and prevent some of the damaging effects.
According to the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association and the United States Ad Council stroke is the number one preventable cause of disability. Only 9% of us can recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke.
Since preventative health is so important to Feeling Fit, we agreed to collaborate the American Stroke Association to share this information and infographics. The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor or medical professional with any questions or concerns.
F.A.S.T. Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke:
- F – Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
- A – Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like: “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
- 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.
F.A.S.T. Awareness Music Video Featuring Dee-1:
Dee-1 created this music video to help us remember F.A.S.T. I find music makes it so much easier to learn and memorize information. Does anyone else remember the lyrics to songs that were popular during our youth? Or what about that annoying television commercial from five years ago? Why not apply the power of music to life-saving information?
For More Information About Stroke Prevention:
For more information on stroke prevention, detection and treatment visit the American Stroke Association website.
Thank you so much for putting this general information out there! More people should be aware of the signs of a stroke so that necessary measures can be taken as early on as possible. Nicely said!
Wow – every 40 seconds someone has a stroke?! Those are some scary stats! Thanks for the very educational infographic!
During my ECHO internship this FAST tip was preached in weekly unit meetings to keep people aware o cardiac patients too.
This infographic is nice to print and hang on the fridge or somewhere easy to see. Thanks so much for sharing the signs of a stroke.