Recognizing a stroke...

[Guest guest]

Recognizing a stroke

This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions!

Is It a Stroke? This was published in a monthly newsletter where a friend of

mine lives and she sent it on. I had never heard this advice before and hadn't a

clue. Perhaps you hadn't either and would like to file it away in the back of

your head.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the

lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage

when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say

any bystander can recognize a stroke asking three simple questions:

* ask the individual to smile.

* ask him or her to raise both arms.

* ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and

describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group of

non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech

problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions.

They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual

meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt

diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. "

PASS IT ON...............

~ " We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a

little of each other everywhere. " ~

~ " If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the

entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand. "