Strokes can affect anyone. There are several factors that increase your chances of having a stroke (i.e. obesity, inactivity, excessive drinking, smoking, etc.); however, did you know that many people who have suffered from a stroke are able to recover quite well in the event that someone recognizes the symptoms and acts quickly?
If you see signs of a stroke, remember to act FAST.
- Face: is their face drooping?
- Arms: can they raise their arms?
- Speech: can they speak properly or are their words slurred?
- Time: call 9-1-1 immediately!
The key is to act fast as time is a critical factor when someone is suffering from a stroke. In the end, we can’t control all factors that might lead to a stroke; however, one factor we can control is our level of physical activity (i.e. exercise). Living an active and healthy lifestyle will help reduce your risk of a variety of health issues, including heart disease and stroke.