Know Stroke: Save a LifeWorksite Wellness Symposium

May 2, 2014

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About 795,000Americans each

year suffer a

new or

recurrent

stroke.

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Stroke is the

No. 4 cause of

death in the U.S.

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37% of all

Americans cannot

accurately identify

even one warning

sign for stroke.

What is a stroke?

• Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.

• A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures).

• When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

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About strokes• Strokes can be ischemic (a blockage, 87%) or

hemorrhagic (a bleed, 13%).

• Sometimes a TIA or transient ischemic attack occurs, also known as a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce the risk of a major stroke.

A TIA is a medical emergency !

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What to do if you think someone is having a stroke

• Immediately call 9-1-1 or the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number.

• Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

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Why spotting and responding to a stroke is so important

• The sooner a stroke victim gets to the hospital, the sooner they'll get life-saving treatment.

• A clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) may improve the chances of getting better but only if you get them help right away.

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Together to End StrokeThe American Stroke Association’s

Stroke Platform

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PREVENTStroke is largely

preventable .

TREATStroke is treatable.

BEATStroke is beatable.

Love your heart,

Help your brain,

Prevent stroke

F.A.S.T. can help you

recognize the signs of a

stroke so you can make

a remarkable difference

You can survive

AND beat a stroke

Stroke Framework Pillars and Key Messages

You can spot a stroke F.A.S.T.• F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the

sudden signs of a stroke. • When you can spot the signs, you'll know

quickly that you need to call 9-1-1 for help .

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Spot a Stroke public service announcement

F.A.S.T. IS

• Face Drooping Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.

• A rm Weakness Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech Difficulty Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated co rrectly?

• Time to call 911 If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to th e hospital immediately.

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Other symptoms you should look out for

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance

or coordination • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

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How can you help promote F.A.S.T .?

• Strokeassociation.org/WarningSigns– Download the F.A.S.T. iPhone/iPad/Android

application today to help you identify the signs of a stroke F.A.S.T.

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Stroke Resource Center – tools for providers and patients

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Downloadable community materials• Ad Council Materials are available to community

organizations/medical facilities to download and us e AS-IS• Patient education, stroke resources, an EMT guide,

community guides

Tips for Daily Living LibraryA 'virtual volunteer' opportunity that engages individuals experienced in adapting to the many day-to-

day challenges encountered after having a stroke – survivors, caregivers and healthcare specialists –

by sharing their wisdom, ideas and expertise for working with or getting around those challenges.

• Tips include videos, written explanations of

various adaptive techniques and photos

• Feature tips on #WhatWorksWednesdays,

StrokeAssociation.org/tips and ASA YouTube

site

• Status

– 14 videos, 8 written submissions

– 5 upcoming videos

– 12,200 total YouTube views

Support for stroke caregivers

• Promote our caregiver website at your healthcare facility, workplace, and to other groups you interact with.

• Encourage stroke patients and their families to subscribe – for free! – to our quarterly Stroke Connection magazine.

• Help caregivers navigate life after stroke with our Caregiver Guide to Stroke , which addresses:� emotional support � medical management� effects of a stroke� legal, financial and health coverage

May is American Stroke Month!• Take the Stroke Risk Quiz

and share it.

• Learn the stroke warning signs and download the F.A.S.T. mobile app.

• Share stroke information in your community. Access videos, handouts, facts, presentations and more at www.StrokeAssociation.org/americanstrokemonth .

StrokeAssociation.org/WarningSigns

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