LOCATIONS MENU Home / News / Be Informed and BE FAST When it Comes to Stroke Be Informed and BE FAST When it Comes to Stroke Tricia Desrocher, PT, MS and Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Director of Inpatient Program Development, Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital Network According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. Yet 80% of strokes are preventable. October 29th is world stroke day and a reminder to be informed and be fast when it comes to recognizing a stroke and seeking care. A stroke is a sudden disorder of the blood supply to the brain and it can cause irreversible damage and disability. If a loved one is showing signs of a stroke try to identify when the symptoms started and communicate this to the Emergency Response Team. This information is essential as life-saving treatments are only available for a short period of time after the onset of stroke symptoms and could improve your recovery. You’ll also want to ask them to take your loved one to a certified stroke treatment center. Know the Symptoms You’re likely familiar with the F.A.S.T acronym but you may not have heard about B.E. F.A.S.T. It’s another way to recognize all of the signs of a stroke while also reminding you to act quickly if you suspect a stroke. B.E. F.A.S.T. B: BALANCE – sudden loss of balance, staggering gait, severe vertigo E: EYES – sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, onset of double vision F: FACE – uneven or drooping face, drooling, ask the patient to smile A: ARM (LEG) – loss of strength or sensation on one side of the body in the arm and/or leg S: SPEECH – slurring of speech, difficulty saying words or understanding what is being said, sudden confusion T: TIME – act quickly and call 911 immediately Stroke is an emergency. If a stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and ask to be taken to a certified stroke treatment center! Lifestyle Tips for Stroke Prevention Manage your risk for a stroke and other diseases today. Here are some tips to help you and your family live your best life. Exercise regularly and be active Stop smoking Eat a healthy balanced diet with fruits and vegetables Reduce saturated and trans fats Reduce salt and sugar intake Limit alcohol intake Take medications as prescribed If you have concerns or are not sure about your risk, speak with your primary care physician and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Communication is essential for everyone’s health and safety. When you are speaking with healthcare providers ask three specific questions to help you better understand your health risks, conditions and what you or a loved one needs to do to stay healthy: What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this? Click here for more tips to reduce the risk of stroke, featuring Dr. Andriotakis Related articles News NOTICE OF DATA PRIVACY INCIDENT READ MORE News NORTHEAST REHABILITATION HOSPITAL JOINS THE NATION IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT BRAIN INJURY READ MORE News NORTHEAST REHAB HOME CARE SERVICES HAS EARNED THE 2019 SHPBEST™ “PREMIER PERFORMER” PATIENT SATISFACTION AWARD READ MORE NEWS BACK Search for: Service Type Service Type Outpatient Inpatient Adult Pediatrics Schools Home Care Brain Injury Stroke Neurological Spinal Cord Amputee Orthopedic Outpatient Physician What our patients are saying “If I had only one thing to say about Northeast Rehab it is that they are outstanding in every aspect. I am truly glad to be here.” – Lois Hall ”I’m returning to a normal way of life thanks to Northeast Rehab.” – Louis Maynard Visit our Facebook page Visit our Twitter page Visit our Youtube page NORTHEAST REHABILITATION HOSPITAL GET IN TOUCH 603-893-2900 Inpatient admissions@northeastrehab.com Facebook Messenger (Requires Facebook) Outpatient CentralScheduling@northeastrehab.com Facebook Messenger (Requires Facebook) CAREERS LOCATIONS MAKE A REFERRAL HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT NONDISCRIMINATION HOSPITAL ACCREDITATIONS WEAR A MASK ALSO OF INTERESTHome CarePediatric ServicesPatient Stories