Act FAST to save lives Many people will have seen a FAST adverts on their TV screens. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke could be a life-saver, and The Stroke Association is calling on everyone to learn the signs of a stroke and FAST Forward the message to their friends and families. A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. It is a medical emergency, if you suspect someone has had a stroke, here’s what to look for:
Face: can they smile?
Has their mouth or an eye drooped on one side of their face? • Arms: can they raise both arms? • Speech: can they speak clearly and be understood? • TIME to call 999
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The Act FAST campaign, managed by Public Health England since 2009, has been hugely successful. In its first four months, emergency 999 calls for stroke increased by 55%. Stroke is one of greatest health challenges of our time. Around 2,500 people have a stroke in Surrey every year, and the condition is the leading cause of complex adult disability. A stroke happens in an instant, but it effects can last a lifetime. Nearly 17,500 people across the county are living with the effects of stroke. Research shows that one in 10 people (12%) in the South wrongly believe a stroke could never happen to them. Sadly this cruel condition can happen to anyone at any time. The more people who are FAST aware, the more lives we can save. The Stroke Association works to help more people reduce their risk of stroke, and to help stroke survivors and their families rebuild their lives. Action on Stroke Month takes place in May each year. In 2015 the Stroke Association is asking everyone to Make May Purple. You can help by planting your garden purple, making purple cakes for sale or dressing up purple for the day.
To find out more about Action on Stroke Month in May please visit www.stroke.org.uk/strokemonth. Or to find out more about the FAST Forward campaign, and to view information and support available, visit www.stroke.org.uk/FastForward. 40