The message below can be found on the doctors TV show which aired today 1 November. You can visit their wedsite below:

http://www.thedoctorsTV.com

A Stroke Is an Emergency! – October 27, 2011

I am writing this a few days before Halloween, which seems fitting — because there are not many things scarier than a stroke. Like a heart attack, a stroke can come on suddenly, with little or no advance warning. And like a heart attack, a stroke can cause serious and lasting damage, or it may be fatal, especially if you don't respond quickly.

That's why it's very important to know stroke's warning signs and if you see them, call 911 immediately. A quick response can literally mean the difference between life and death. Warning signs of stroke include sudden: [less]

Numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

Confusion or trouble speaking

Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Severe headache with no known cause

If you observe or suspect anyone to have at least one of those symptoms, act FAST. Here's a way to remember what to do – remember the letters F-A-S-T:

F for Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?

A for Arm: Can they raise both arms or is one arm weak?

S for Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or confused?

T for Time: Call 911 right away!

A recent study found that African Americans delay calling 911 after a stroke. AARP, reporting on this study, wrote that "most African Americans call a friend or relative instead of 911 when they have symptoms of a stroke, potentially delaying arrival at a hospital and access to lifesaving treatment."

Another study found that even though people recognized a friend or family member might be having a stroke, they may not call 911. However, they would immediately call 911 if they thought a friend/family member was having a heart attack.

In a stroke, minutes matter - dial 911! Check out the resources provided to find out who is at risk and to understand what a stroke is.

American Stroke Association is solely focused on reducing disability and death from stroke.

National Stroke Association

Stroke Awareness Foundation

NIH and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Blacks Suffering Strokes Call Friends Before 911 – (AARP article)

Friends of Stroke Victims Reluctant to Call 911 – (Copyright ©2009, WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.)

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Freda Lewis-Hall leads a team of medical professionals who collect and share important health and medical information with the health care and health care communities and regulatory agencies.

View Dr. Lewis-Hall's biography

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

This is great infomation for some of the new members whom may be like I was, clueless about strokes or what to do first!

Fred!