STATE COLLEGE -Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur in the United States this year one will strike every 40 seconds and will take a life approximately every four minutes. For this reason, it is vital to know the warning signs of a stroke and to know the tips to follow as a stroke unfolds.
Mount Nittany Health would like to raise awareness to mark May's designation as National Stroke Awareness Month to initiate a year-round effort to keep Americans informed through stroke education.
Stroke awareness is based in large part on FAST a tool created by the National Stroke Association. This four-step process identifies the warning signs of stroke, and emphasizes the importance of acting FAST when a stroke occurs in order to save a life:
- Face -Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms - Ask the person to lift both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech-Ask the person to repeat one particular phrase. Is their speech slurred or unusual?
- Time - If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
"Knowledge and timeliness are crucial in cases of stroke. The quicker you receive evaluation and treatment for a stroke, the less damage may occur to the brain and the faster you could recovery," said Pete Roy, MD, a neurologist with Mount Nittany Physician Group. "Mount Nittany Health's stroke team can quickly diagnose and treat stroke patients."
Mount Nittany Health's stroke team continuously works to establish procedures to ensure for a quick response and the best treatment is given to each stroke patient.
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Mount Nittany Health provides an array of additional stroke education materials on their website for public use. For more information on stroke, visit mountnittany.org or call 814.231.7000.
