Stroke Awareness Month: know the signs, act FAST

May is Stroke Awareness Month; a timely reminder that recognizing the signs of a stroke can save a life. Early recognition and quick action are important. A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a bleed. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes. That’s why every second counts.

The easiest way to remember the warn­ing signs is the acro­nym FAST:

F - Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile, does it look uneven?

A - Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms, does one drift downward?

S - Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or hard to understand. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.

T - Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms may include sudden confusion, trouble see­ing, dizziness, loss of balance or a se­vere headache with no known cause.

Stroke risk increases with age, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and heart disease. While some risk factors can’t be changed, many can be managed through regular checkups, healthy eating, physi­cal activity and tak­ing medications as prescribed.

The most important thing to remember is this: don’t wait. Even if symptoms go away, it could be a warning sign of a more serious stroke.

During Stroke Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs and share them with your family and neighbors. Acting FAST could save a life - maybe even someone you love.