Story by: Rebecca Hall on March 21, 2019
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability. In Kentucky and surrounding states, strokes are on the increase in younger people, due in large part to preventable risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and lack of physical activity.
Take the time to learn how to recognize the warning signs of stroke. It could save a life.
Call 911 as soon as you notice symptoms:
Is the person having trouble walking? Loss of balance or coordination, dizziness
Is the person having trouble seeing? Change in vision in one or both eyes
Ask the person to smile. Does the smile look even? Face looks uneven, droopy or is numb
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drop down? Weakness or numbness in one arm (or leg)
Does the person have trouble speaking? Slurred or difficult speech
Time lost = brain lost Note the time symptoms start
Another symptom could be a sudden, severe headache.
Norton Healthcare operates the area’s largest stroke care system.
Learn more
Related Content: Comprehensive Stroke System offers the highest level of care when time matters.
Norton Healthcare has the largest network of accredited stroke centers in the area.
BE FAST is adapted from Intermountain Healthcare. BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implementation by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.
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