“Although we know the tremendous toll stroke takes on individuals and their families, the vast majority of Americans do not think of stroke as a major health concern. And one in three Americans is unable to identify all the F.A.S.T. stroke warning signs,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “It is extremely important that we make everyone aware that stroke threatens millions of Americans every year. At the same time, stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.”

Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said, “Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke; one out of six people will suffer a stroke in his or her lifetime; stroke is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.; and stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. American Stroke Month is an annual opportunity to get the word out. Each May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association recognizes American Stroke Month by rallying the nation around the cause because together we can end stroke.

Regenye added, “If you or if you see someone with the signs of stroke, you need to act F.A.S.T. This is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of a stroke and if you spot the signs, you will know that you need to call 9-1-1- for help RIGHT AWAY.

F – Face drooping – does one side of the face droop or is it numb. Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
A – Arm weakness – is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech difficulty – is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat simple sentences, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T – Time to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you will know when the symptoms appeared.

Visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org and take the STROKE QUIZ.

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