affect people in common ways. Paralysis on the left or right side of the body, sensory changes, vision problems, speech problems and problems with thinking and memory are among the effects of a stroke. How to identify a stroke F.A.S.T. A stroke can happen to anyone at any point in their lifetime. If someone is having a stroke, they must get medical attention right away. Every second counts. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Remember the acronym F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke: Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? Arm Weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech Difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Time to Call 911 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. How to prevent a stroke A large majority of strokes can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart and managing conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib) and high blood pressure. Left uncontrolled, these conditions – and others such as diabetes and obesity – are major risk factors for stroke. Stroke survivors are also at a higher risk of stroke, and 1 in 4 will have another one. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke and heart disease. But it can be controlled. Know your numbers by having your blood pressure measured at least once per year by a healthcare professional and regularly monitor it at home with a validated monitor. For most people, a normal blood pressure range should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. For individuals with hypertension or other risk factors, more frequent monitoring may be recommended. Your family may also impact your health more than you think. It’s critical to learn your family health history and then talk to a health care professional about lowering your personal risk for stroke. Learn more It’s one thing to know the signs of a stroke. It’s another to experience them. The American Stroke Association has additional resources and activities to increase your knowledge and skills. The F.A.S.T. Experience is a digital series of games and activities designed to educate users on what the warning signs of a stroke look, feel and/ or sound like. Learn more at Stroke.org/ StrokeMonth. 17
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