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STROKE: (Remember the 1st Three Letters: S.T.R.)

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall. She assured everyone that she was fine (we offered to call paramedics) and that she had just tripped over a brick in the patio because of her new shoes. We got her cleaned up and a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken, Ingrid went about enjoying herself for the rest of the evening.

Ingrid's husband called later telling his hosts that his wife had been taken to the hospital. At 6:00 p.m., Ingrid passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had those present known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some stroke victims who fail to get help in time don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke. Totally. He says the trick is to get a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and the patient medically treated within 3 hours, which is tough.

Recognizing a stroke: Remember the "3" steps: STR

Read and Learn! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage while people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking the potential stroke victim to take a simple three step test:

1. “S” - Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. “T” - Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE Coherently - i.e. it is sunny out today.
3. “R” - Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

Another test is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked' or if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. If the potential stroke victim has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately!! And describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

(Source: Unsolicited Email)