Growing older obviously isn’t easy. Through the years, you usually tend to take on more responsibilities and think about more serious concerns like career, finances, and relationships. In fact, as you age, one important thing you should be doing is keeping your health in check. So in case you need it, this is your friendly reminder to know your family’s medical history, see the right doctors, and get the necessary tests done. Doing all these things will make a great difference in the future and at the same time, it’ll keep you fully aware of your physical condition.
As a responsible adult, it helps to know whether or not what you’re feeling is normal, or if it requires serious medical attention. When you feel like something is wrong with your body, it’s always a good idea to be proactive in identifying what the problem is. Take for example, a stroke. Keep reading to know more about its signs and how you can properly—and quickly—act upon them.
What is a stroke?
According to the American Stroke Association, “Stroke is the [number five] cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. [It] is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.” Additionally, “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.”
What are the signs of a stroke?
In an article published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following are the common signs of a stroke:
•”Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.”
•”Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.”
•”Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.”
•”Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.”
•”Sudden severe headache with no known cause.”
More importantly, you should understand that time is of the essence when it comes to dealing with a stroke. Call 911 immediately when you start noticing these symptoms. Leading health organizations and medical experts recommend that you “act F.A.S.T.” and perform the necessary assessment to figure out how the stroke can best be treated.
To understand what F.A.S.T. means, watch the below.
Overall, the American Stroke Association reports that “80 percent of strokes are preventable.” Knowing the signs of a stroke and understanding the “act F.A.S.T.” concept will truly benefit you in the long run because at the end of the day, you’ll never know what can happen next, and whose life might need saving.
