May is Stroke Awareness Month and I’ve posted a couple blogs recently about strokes.  Some new guidelines were just released and I think they’re very important.  A national stroke coalition called the Brain Attack Coalition (BAC) has adopted a new message this month: “Stroke strikes fast.  You should too.  Call 9-1-1.”  This should be a mantra for all caregivers, families, and friends of seniors.

If you recognize the signs of a stroke in your aging loved one, call 9-1-1 immediately.  Stroke victims need to see a health care provider immediately.  How can you recognize a possible stroke?  See my previous blog on the ‘Act F.A.S.T.’ method which has you answer a few key questions: Face – does one side droop? Arm – does one arm drift down if raised? Speech – is speech slurred or strained? Time – if you answered yes, it’s time to call 9-1-1!

The BAC is chaired by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), which is a part of the National Institute of Health (NIH).  For more information see the NIH announcement here or see the NINDS stroke page here.