Act F.A.S.T. Against Stroke. Save Lives in May.

What health condition is treatable if symptoms are identified F.A.S.T.? Stroke. What health condition is 80 percent preventable? Stroke.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to educate the nation and spread awareness about stroke prevention, symptom recognition and recovery. In recent years stroke deaths have declined by 10,000 Americans. This year, National Stroke Association hopes to continue to reduce stroke deaths and disability by educating the public to recognize stroke symptoms, and to Act F.A.S.T. and "Save a Life" by recognizing stroke symptoms.

• F = FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A = ARM - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
• T = TIME - If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.

Most strokes can be treated. The FDA-approved treatment for ischemic (clot-caused) stroke is t-PA, a clot-busting drug that dissolves the blood clot and restores blood flow to the brain. However, for the drug to work effectively, t-PA must be given within three hours of the first sign of stroke symptoms. This is why we are encouraging the public to Act F.A.S.T.

If signs of stroke are present, every minute counts. For every minute that brain cells are deprived of oxygen during stroke, the likelihood of brain damage increases. Treatment can be more effective if given early on. Several new and experimental drugs may prevent, and even reverse, brain damage due to a stroke.

• For every minute that brain cells are deprived of oxygen during stroke, the likelihood of brain damage increases. Act F.A.S.T.
• Treatment can be more effective if given early on. Act F.A.S.T.
• TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a risk factor of stroke and a call to action to prevent a stroke. Act F.A.S.T.

For the six million stroke survivors in the United States, Acting F.A.S.T. is even more critical because they are at risk for a recurrent stroke. But stroke prevention is only one part of the stroke recovery journey. For stroke survivors, the other integral component is National Stroke Association’s message of HOPE: Stroke is a Lifelong Journey. Because hope is such an important part of a successful stroke recovery.

Established in 1984, National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke. National Stroke Association achieves its mission to lower the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling community outreach programs, calling for continued improvement in the quality of stroke patient care, and educating both healthcare professionals and the general public about stroke.

For more information about National Stroke Awareness Month and National Stroke Association, contact VP of Programs Sharon Januchowski at (303) 754-0946 or .