Although stroke has dropped from the nation’s fourth-leading cause of death to No. 5, according to new federal statistics, it still remains a leading cause of disability in the U.S. Would you know the warning signs of stroke and what to do if you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke? Try F.A.S.T.! F.A.S.T stands for:
F—Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A—Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, is the person unable to speak, or is he or she hard to understand?
T—Time to call 9-1-1: If you see any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately.