National Stroke Week 14-20 September 2009

During National Stroke Week, the National Stroke Foundation is launching the new F.A.S.T campaign to help people recognise the early warning signs of stroke.

F.A.S.T is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke and involves asking these simple questions:

• Face – check their face.  Has their mouth dropped?
• Arms – can they lift both arms?
• Speech – is their speech slurred?  Do they understand you?
• Time – time is critical.  If you see any of these signs, call 000 now!

“When the signs of stroke appear, time lost is brain lost so it is critical that urgent action is taken,” said Dr Erin Lalor, Chief Executive Officer of the National Stroke Foundation.

Acting FAST is vital because early treatment could mean the difference between death or severe disability and a good recovery from stroke.

For more information about National Stroke Week visit the Stroke Foundation, one of HealthInsite's approved information partners.

HealthInsite has a topic area on Stroke and provides links to information on prevention, treatments, support services and living with the effects of stroke.

More information on stroke can also be found at another one of HealthInsite’s information partner sites - Brainlink Foundation.

17 September 2009

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