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Stroke Awareness Month

This month is Stroke Awareness Month, and we want to provide you with information on how to recognize a stroke and the safe steps to take if you experience or encounter one.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

Use the letters in "FAST" to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1.

Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven or lopsided?

Arm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?

Time to call 9-1-1 If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1- 1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Stroke Prevention

There are certain risk factors that increase the chances of having a stroke. Follow these guidelines to prevent a stroke from happening:

1. Identify. Review the risk factors and identify your risk

2. Reduce your risk factors. Work to reduce your stroke risk through lifestyle changes

3. Recognize and respond. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke (Hint: Think 'FAST'). Respond to the first sight of stroke and help save lives.

Learn more about how to prevent stroke here!
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