One of the biggest awareness campaigns during National Stroke Month is ‘F.A.S.T’. This acronym is helpful so people can easily remember the symptoms of stroke and help save a life. While any sickness or disease is a cause for concern, strokes tend to be especially alarming as the symptoms often occur suddenly. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 19 American deaths in 2019 were from strokes. As a result, it’s especially helpful to know the signs of a stroke and how to respond.
At Montereau, we prioritize wellness in all of our activities and amenities. Our on-campus health services are here for all of our residents—allowing residents to keep track of their heart health through annual wellness exams and regular screenings. For those who may experience a stroke, our Chateau offers short-term rehabilitation to help aid in recovering after stroke, with physical and speech therapy.
Beyond routine screenings for blood pressure and diabetes, one of the most important things to know about strokes is the acronym F.A.S.T., a key to early detection and treatment:
• F – Face Drooping – Is one side of the face drooping and feeling numb? Ask the person to smile and monitor if it’s uneven.
• A – Arm Weakness – Do they experience weakness and numbness in one arm? Ask the person to lift both arms in the air for 10 seconds. Monitor if one arm lowers or drops.
• S – Speech Difficulty – Identify if the person has trouble speaking such as slurred speech. Can they repeat a simple sentence? Also, check if they are having difficulty understanding speech.
• T – Time to call 911 – If the answer is yes to the symptoms listed above, then call 911 immediately even if the symptoms subside.
Other early signs of stroke include sudden onset of the following: numbness of the face or leg (especially on one side of the body), trouble seeing in one or both eyes, difficulty walking accompanied by a loss of balance, as well as a severe headache. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, contact 911 immediately. The faster someone receives treatment, the higher chance of recovery without lingering disabilities.
To learn more about Montereau, our commitment to wellness and our health services, we invite you to contact us and schedule a tour today!