Albert Lea, MN — May is National Stroke Awareness Month. The goal of this annual campaign is to ensure all understand they can “save a life” by knowing about stroke risk factors, prevention, symptom recognition and acting F.A.S.T. to treat stroke.
F = FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARM - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME - If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911.
Mayo Clinic Health System’s Stroke Support Group, for those who have suffered a stroke, and caregivers and family members of stroke victims, meets at 3 p.m., the fourth Wednesday of every month, in the Patient Education Room, located on the lower level of the medical center.
