I am going to tell you honestly. I did not want to take the time to do this post. But God keeps throwing it back in my face in one way or another. I know it is suppose to save someones life out there. So I am not going to go looking for pretty pictures, I just want to get it out there. Someone is suppose to read this that needs to save a family member or a friends life!
Every year, people have life changes because of a stroke. I thought it only happened to old people until it happened to someone I cared very deeply for--she was my kids Godmother and younger than me!!!! I can't remember how old she was but it was in her 30's. She is doing great today--I can still remember the day I saw her back on stage singing at our church. The tears poured down my face. God thank you for saving her!
THIS IS WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW - TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE - and we aren't talking about real estate contracts here!!
The faster you get someone help the better their chances of recovery. You need to know what the signs of stroke are and DO NOT DELAY ONE SECOND! This is the numonic that will help you remember what the signs are:
When a stroke occurs you must act F.A.S.T.
F - (FACE) Look at their face and tell them to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A - (ARMS) Ask them to raise their arms in front of them. Does one drift downward?
S - (SPEECH) Ask them to repeat any random sentence. Are their words slurred-can they repeat it correctly?
T - (TIME) If any of the above are true, Time is of the essence -DO NOT DELAY CALL 911 - The faster you get this person help--the better the chances of recovery.
Other symptoms may be, numbness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble seeing clearly, not being able to see out of one eye.
Hope this helps someone at some point. Commit F A S T to your memory. It may not be today or tomorrow but at some point you may need this!
Good advice. I learned this on believe it or not Oprah. Dr. Oz.
Tami, great tips, they can do a lot to help stroke victims if they get to the hospital in the first few hours.
This is great! I have seen this before and it has a sound basis. Thank you for sharing it!
I think this will help save someone's life Tami. Great information I learned something new today.
Tami - Great post on a topic that will touch all of us directly or indirectly in our life. A quick response is critical.
That is exactly right- my mom had a stroke and it is definately life changing!
Lorraine--Oprah has a lot of good stuff. I don't remember where I heard it or why it has been put in my head again.
Tony and Darcy - That is the key exactly TIME is of the essence!
Mona - You are so welcome.
Mike - I am so glad you learned something new!!! Maybe someday you will need it when it is really important Just remember to react F.A.S.T.
Kenneth - Honestly I hope no one ever needs it. It was just one of those things that I remembered and thought I should blog about it someday. Since then, God has reminded me very specifically 3 times in the past two days. The novel I was reading had a lady in it who had a stroke and then I was watching House (one of my fav shows) yesterday and there was a story on there about stroke and then this morning there was a commercial I saw on it. I thought - ok God you are trying to tell me the time is now. Even if I am busy!
Cheri - I am sorry you had to experience it so close. Cheri is my assistant and she is THE GREATEST!
Tami- I've never heard this, but I do thank you for the info...I knew a few of the symptoms, but not all. Strokes can be scary, I watched a few people have a stroke :(
Kathy - they sure can be scary!!
Glad to see people getting the word out on stroke, the #3 killer in the U.S.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also uses the FAST acronym to teach stroke recognition, too, and you will find free information here: <www.MAClearinghouse.com/CatalogPageHDSP.htm>.
You may download the animated videos (which have catchy tunes), or print out the posters, brochures, and walet cards, at no cost. You'll also notice adaptations in Spanish and Portuguese.
For more information, or ideas on how to spread the word on stroke, please drop me an email at ted.clark@state.ma.us
Tami - This is great information - It may come in handy someday. Thanks for sharing! :)
Wow Kathy - Thank you for the featured post! How are we doing on getting pictures in Foto Share? I promote it every chance I ge!
Ted - Thank you!! I believe this is a post from a Non AR person--am I right?
Debi - I truly hope it doesn't come in handy for anyone but glad you know it if you need it!
Tami, When you called me a few days ago to give me some support about AR, I was amost in shock. Why would some stranger just call me up to help? Now that I've read some of your blogs I get it! You're awesome. I'm so glad you took the time to write this blog that I hope I never need and so glad you're my AR friend. Hugs
Marian - You are so kind--I do like help people. I guess it is part of what makes me a good realtor!!
How is the puppy? I know you have had some difficult decisons but I wanted you to know I am thinking about you!!
Tami, Thank you for sharing this information. Everyone should know this and review it at least every 6 months. Remember...when their is concern call 911. Most important thing you can do. Someone I knew well died in his 30s from a stroke.
You will save a life and help a life. Keep spreading the information.