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Health & Fitness

How to know if someone is having a STROKE!

When someone is having a stroke, every second counts.

A stroke occurs when the brain doesn't get enough oxygen and the tissue begins to die. Because our brains are the control center for virtually every aspect of life from speech and sight to balance and coordination, when a person has a stroke, there are some signs and symptoms you may be able to recognize quickly so that you can get help FAST!

Remember FAST

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•   Face - Is one side of the face or eyelid drooping, numb or weak?

•   Arms - Ask the person to lift their arms, is one lower or weaker than the other?

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•   Speech - Can the person speak clearly?

•   Time - If any of these are present, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1 immediately.

 

Treatments

Every minute counts when the brain is deprived of oxygen, so getting to a Hospital that has a Stroke Team in place increases the chance of a healthy recovery.

This video from Dr. Peter Fung, Medical Director of the Stroke Program at El Camino Hospital explains  how to reduce your risk of stroke. 

Dr. Peter Fung and Dr. Thomas Wolfe will be talking about Stroke prevention and treatment during a free seminar at El Camino Hospital on Thursday, May 29th from 6 - 7:30 pm.  This seminar is free to the public, all you have to do is call to register, (800) 216-5556.

If you know someone in the SF Bay Area who has had a stroke and needs more support, this downloadable PDF provides a list of resources.

Disclosure: It's Stroke Awareness Month, and I am working with El Camino Hospital to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of Stroke and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

 

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