YRMC tips on how to act F.A.ST. during a stroke

This year the Yuma Regional Medical Center treated about 500 strokes or stroke-like symptoms.

The YMRC recommends the acronym F.A.S.T. to know the signs.

FAST:

F: Facial asymmetry

A: Arm weakness

S: Speech difficulties

T: Time to call 911

It is not only important to know the signs, Dr. Gregory Baker urged that it is important to act fast.

“Do not wait. Do not call a doctor. Do not call a friend because there are things EMS can do.” said Dr. Baker.

He said that every minute counts because every minute you are suffering from a stroke, you lose 2 million neurons. These are the nerve cells in the brain that help you do simple things, like think and see.

Dr. Baker also suggested you avoid doing this if you think you have stroke symptoms.

“There’s a misconception that they should drink some water, take some Aspirin. With stroke patients, the water can go down the wrong tube, causing pneumonia.” said Baker.

The Stroke Coordinator at YMRC said that in order stay out of a hospital bed, you can take care of yourself.

“Eating good, knowing your cholesterol, exercising is very important, having a good relationship with your family doctor.” said Micaela Prevatke, Registered Nurse.

Prevatke also said that women are at a higher risk than men to have a stroke.
Having conditions like high blood pressure, smoking, obesity and diabetes also put you at a higher risk for a stroke, according to the Center for Disease Control.