Recognize the Warning Signs of a Stroke

A stroke occurs when your brain is not receiving the blood that it needs. When a person is having a stroke, s/he may or may not be aware that something is off. If the person experiencing a stroke receives proper medical care fast enough, then their chances increase for recuperating from or surviving this event. For this reason, it is important that everyone knows how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke so that they can act F.A.S.T.

F – is for FACE. Ask the person to smile, and see if their face is symmetrical or if one side droops.

A – is for ARMS. Ask the person to raise their arms. Is one arm weak? Are they unable to lift it, or does it sag?

S – is for SPEECH. Ask the person to say a simple phrase like “My name is Mike.” Is their speech slurred, slow, strange, or altered in any way that is unusual for them?

T– is for TIME. If you suspect that you or someone around you is having a stroke, don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 immediately so that medical professionals can get the person to a hospital right away.

For further reading, check out this article.
If you think that you or someone around you is experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
The opinions stated in this blog post are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your physicians before incorporating new foods into your diet or making any lifestyle changes.