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The word ‘FAST’ used to recognize stroke and how to react

AGING MATTERS

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Recognizing and responding quickly to the signs of stroke in yourself or others can mean the difference between life, disability and even death.

While common risk factors include high blood pressure, family history, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, smoking and being overweight, a stroke can happen to a seemingly healthy individual of any age.

A stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked to part of the brain, leaving that area without oxygen and other essential nutrients. Depending on the extent and duration of the blockage, the cells may die or be damaged. For this reason, time is critical to the long-term impact of a stroke.

Act FAST!

The National Stroke Association uses the word FAST as a tool for recognizing the signs of a stroke. It is also a reminder to act FAST! If you recognize any of the following signs of stroke in another person, call 911 to determine the quickest way to get treatment. You may be advised to go immediately to the hospital or the 911 dispatcher may send an ambulance.

A person may not show all signs of a stroke. If just one of the signs below is present, reach out immediately for emergency services.

Let’s take a look at the meaning of each letter in the word FAST.

F stands for FACE. When one side of the face suddenly droops, this can be a sign of stroke. Ask that person to smile and if you identify any drooping, call 911 immediately.

A stands for ARMS. One side of the body is often impacted by a stroke. If you suspect a stroke, ask the person to raise both arms as if making the letter T with their body. If one arm drifts down, this may be a sign he or she is experiencing a stroke. Call 911 immediately.

S stands for SPEECH. A stroke can impact someone’s ability to speak clearly. Their speech may be slurred, their words may sound like gibberish, or the wrong words come out of their mouth. Ask your loved one to repeat a simple phrase such as “I like to read” or “I love to eat.” If the repeated words sound slurred or strange in any way, call 911 immediately.

T stands for TIME. The faster a person gets treatment, the better. Make either a mental or physical note of the time your loved one’s first sign of stroke.

This information will help health care professionals determine their response and treatment plan.

Be proactive

Actions that lower the risk of a stroke also lower the risk of other common chronic health conditions. They include exercising regularly, eating a healthy balanced diet, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and cholesterol.

The key is consistency. If you aren’t currently exercising regularly, get cleared by your doctor, start small and increase over time.

Think about and then write down exercises you enjoy. Choose one you will do this week, set a time, and do it. Find a partner who will motivate you.

Next week, continue with that exercise or choose another from your list. Do this until you have a few you enjoy. Then increase time and or intensity. The goal is to exercise at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week.

Next month this column will focus on one specific exercise that is easy on the joints and can be done inside, outside, individually or in a group setting.

Until then, best wishes on establishing or maintaining a regular exercise routine.

* Heather Greenwood Junkermeier is with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Cooperative Extension, Maui Intergenerational and Aging Programs. “Aging Matters” covers topics of interest to the aging Maui community and appears on the third Sunday of each month.

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