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Quick action is key, act F-A-S-T

by on May 3, 2012

On average, someone in the United States suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; every 3 to 4 minutes someone dies as a result.

Quick action is key, act F-A-S-T:

F= FACE

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

A= ARMS

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

S= SPEECH

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can the person repeat the sentence correctly?

T= TIME

If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is critical. Call 9-1-1 and go to the nearest accredited primary stroke center

Are you at risk for stroke?

If you have these risk factors, consult your physician. Education, prevention, and detection can save your life.

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Heart Disease
  • Carotid Artery Disease
  • Smoking
  • Family History of Stroke
  • Prior Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
  • High Cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Substance Abuse

Know the Warning Signs

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, seek help immediately at Erlanger, the region’s only accredited primary stroke center.

  • Weakness, numbness or tingling in the face, arm, and/or leg (especially on one side of the body)
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Blurred vision (especially in one eye), loss of vision or double vision
  • Dizziness, lack of coordination
  • Sudden, severe or explosive headache

The Erlanger Southeast Regional Stroke Center is Southeast Tennessee’s first and only accredited Primary Stroke Center. Erlanger earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers, recognizing that the Erlanger stroke care program follows national standards and guidelines that can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.

For more information about Stroke Prevention, visit:

www.erlanger.org/stroke

www.powertoendstroke.org

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