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Wednesday, October 27, 2010

HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE--KNOW THE SIGNS OF A STROKE

Think strokes are something that only strike the elderly? Think again. Health editor Janice Kerr is back today with some startling statistic and an easy way to spot the symptoms of a stroke. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Recent statistics show that strokes are on the rise for people between the ages of 20 and 45. Over the past decade incidents of stroke in this age group have risen from 4.5% to 7.3%, most likely from increased rates of obesity and diabetes.

Time is of the essence when treating stroke victims because quick, timely treatment minimizes damage sustained from strokes. So it’s vital the stroke is recognized and treatment sought as soon as possible. For this reason, the National Stroke Association has developed a
FAST trick to help identify symptoms.

Remember
FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can he or she do it accurately? Are the words slurred?

TIME: If the person has ANY of these symptoms, call 911 or get the person to the hospital immediately.

Thanks so much, Janice! You may have saved a life today. Readers, what sorts of things do you look out for when it comes to your health and the health of your loved ones? Post a comment to be entered in this week's drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

1 comment:

Mason Canyon said...

One never thinks about young people having a stroke. When you say stroke, most people automatically think of an elderly person. Thanks for the tips. That's one I'll definitely remember.

Mason
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