In the time it takes you to read this blog, another person in America will have died from a stroke. It’s a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting as many as 795,000 people in the U.S. alone each year, and is the cause for one out of every 20 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With statistics as frightening as these, it’s crucial to learn to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and to get help as quickly as possible. Administration of clot-busting medication within the first three hours of symptoms can reduce the possibility of long-term disability and even death.

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke symptoms include sudden:

• numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• severe headache with no known cause.

If you recognize that someone is experiencing a stroke, remember to act F.A.S.T.

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of his face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Can he repeat the sentence correctly? Are his words slurred?
Time: Time is of the essence! Call 911 right away or get to a hospital as fast as possible!

If your loved one in the San Francisco Bay area is recovering from a stroke, Visiting Angels can help! Our fully trained and compassionate caregivers are available to assist with personal care needs, hygiene, bathing, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and much, much more. Call us at 408-735-0977 in Sunnyvale or 510-284-0000 in Fremont to schedule a free in-home assessment or to allow us to answer any questions you may have.