Recognize Early Stroke Symptoms - This Could Save A Life or Yours!

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters... S.T.R.

My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.

STROKE INCIDENT
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall. She assured everyone that she was fine and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes (they offered to call ambulance). They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself during the rest of the BBQ.

Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital. At 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.

Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead. It only takes a minute to read this...

STROKE IDENTIFICATION
Neurologists suggest the most crucial piece is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and then getting the patient medically cared for as soon as possible.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Remember the 3 steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions :

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * = TALK. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) ( e.g. 'It is sunny today' ).

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call an ambulance or medical emergency immediately!! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

NOTE : Another 'sign' of a stroke is ...

Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.

A prominent cardiologist says if everyone sends this message to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved ...

...and it could be your own!

PASS THIS ON.