STROKE is something we ALL need to know about... YES, even YOU!
It is estimated that strokes are occurring at a startling rate of every 2 seconds! Yup, pretty damn scary.
Would you be able to determine if someone might be having a stroke or would you think it is a new trend, possibly a new crazy dance move?
Did you know that currently 1 out of 6 people in the United States have strokes?
Did you also know that modern medicine is AMAZING and when a person is taken to the emergency room within a couple hours of onset of a stroke some or all of the deficit to the body can be equalized bringing them as close to previous condition as possible?
Do you know the F.A.S.T. Warning Signs?
F = Face [you are monitoring for facial droop, asymmetry.] You could ask them to smile or raise their eyebrows. If both sides don't pop up then it could be an indicator of possible stroke.
A = Arm [you are monitoring for weakness] Again you are watching for asymmetry or unequality between both arms (usually) or if they are lying down you can test their legs as well. Have the individual lift both arms up like they were a flying airplane. If one arm drops faster than the other it could be a warning sign of stroke. If they are lying down in bed you can have them lie on their back and put both arms up like reaching for the stars. Again, monitor for one arm to fall faster than the other. It should only take a few seconds to tell. If you choose to test the lower extremities then have them lie on their back and lift both legs up at the same time about a soccer ball height off the bed and watch for one leg to drop down faster than the other.
S = Speech [you are monitoring for difficulty saying simple words] You can ask them to repeat a simple sentence such as: Today is Sunday. I like to ride my bike., etc. You are not trying to see if they are cognizant, but rather if their speech is impaired related to the possibility of a stroke. Often times they may drool or the tongue may be off to either side instead of in the center of the oral cavity.
T = Time [you are trying to determine time of onset of possible stroke] The clot busting drugs they use for stroke victims only work during a specific time period therefore, time is of the utmost urgency. Even 2 to 3 hours into the activity is high risk for ineffectiveness of some drugs used during stroke therapy. Ask the individual specific questions to attempt pinpointing a time of onset. Perform the F.A.S.T. test and call 911. If you are near a hospital go there even if one (1) of the symptoms are present.
Check out this youtube link to learn the song to help you remember.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyzwfsdd4AE&feature=youtu.be
Have fun during the holidays and be safe, of course.
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