May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a crucial opportunity to learn more about a health emergency that can affect anyone, at any time. Strokes can be life-threatening, but recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly can make a dramatic difference in patient outcomes.
One helpful way to remember these warning signs is with the acronym BE FAST. Each letter stands for a symptom that might indicate a stroke. Staying vigilant and understanding these symptoms can enable you to get help faster, and that can be the key to saving a life.
The acronym BE FAST stands for:
- Balance — Look for a sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
- Eyes — Watch for any abrupt vision changes.
- Face — Check if the face is droopy or if there are severe headaches.
- Arms — See if there’s weakness or numbness in the arms.
- Speech — Be alert for trouble speaking or confusion.
- Time — If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
At UMC, we’re proud to be a leader in stroke care and education for our community. Our team is always ready to provide expert treatment when every moment counts. This May, take a moment to familiarize yourself with BE FAST, you just might save a life.
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