May is Stroke Month

During the month of May, the American Stroke Association works hard to spread awareness of the signs of a stroke. You can share the following information with your audience to help them spot the signs of a stroke, using F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away. F.A.S.T. is:

F - Face Drooping
A - Arm Weakness
S - Speech Difficulty
T - Time to Call 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms

This public service announcement aims to communicate the importance of recognizing the often subtle signs of a stroke. The PSAs show that body language can communicate a wide range of emotions, but one of the most important things it can tell you is if someone might be having a stroke.

AHA President, Dr. Donna Arnett’s stroke story was published earlier this afternoon in USA Today. Donna’s account of the stroke she suffered while in her 20’s is a powerful reminder of the life-saving work that the AHA/ASA does every day, and especially during American Stroke Month, to fight the devastating impacts of stroke. She is living proof that strokes are beatable and treatable. The article from USA Today can also be viewed online here.

Have you or someone you know suffered a stroke and are looking for some additional support?  Please take a minute to check out the Illinois stroke support organization Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other (SSEEO): http://www.sseeo.org/.  SSEEO has many great resource for stroke survivors and their families.