Stroke moves F.A.S.T. and knowing the signs can save your life
BACKGROUND: Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and the #1 cause of disability. It’s also largely misunderstood and often goes untreated until the damage has passed the point of no return. A stroke is as serious as a heart attack but it’s not your heart. It’s your brain. It’s as serious as a brain attack. And time is the enemy.
To mark National Stroke Awareness month, on Friday, May 19, University Hospital’s walk-through giant brain will be on display and stroke experts will be on-hand to educate visitors about how stroke starts, and how it can be prevented.
Since high blood pressure and diabetes are big risk factors for stroke, visitors will have the opportunity to have their cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure tested for free. They can then take “their numbers” and plug them into a free online Stroke Risk test, to better understand their risk and what to do to lower it.
It is critical for everyone to know the F.A.S.T. (Face-Arms-Speech-Time) system for recognizing the signs of stroke and calling 911 right away.
The event runs from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 and is free and open to the public.
WHO:
University Health and UT Health San Antonio stroke specialists
WHEN:
Specialists available for interviews from 10 a.m. – noon today in English and Spanish
WHERE:
University Hospital lobby, 4502 Medical Drive, San Antonio
