May is recognized as Stroke Awareness Month. According to the CDC, anyone can have a stroke, but certain behaviors and medical conditions can increase your chances. Fortunately, anyone can take steps to lower their risk.
If you think that someone may be having a stroke you can use this simple test from the National Stroke Association, called ACT FAST to determine signs and symptoms:
F= Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A=Arm. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S=Speech. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can they repeat the sentence?
T=Time. If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 911 or get to SCBH fast!
