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Stroke
80% of strokes are preventable. Learn
the signs & save a life.
Signs &
Symptoms |
» Sudden
numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of
the body
» Sudden
confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
» Sudden
trouble seeing in one or both eyes
» Sudden
trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
» Sudden
severe headache with no known cause
National Stroke Association:
www.stroke.org
1-800-STROKES
Adapted from the National Council on Aging (NCOA Stroke Tips)
www.ncoa.org and the American Heart
Association.
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When suffering
a stroke . . .
Time may be the key to your survival. Despite this,
victims are often unaware they are suffering a stroke. Knowing the
symptoms of a stroke can help you act quickly if you feel ill.
Be Prepared
Keep a card with emergency numbers and a list of
your medications with you at all times. If emergency dispatch
service is available in your community, call 911 as soon as you
experience the signs of a stroke. Include phone numbers for your
doctor, family members, friends or neighbors so you or the emergency
personnel can contact your physician and a friend or relative, and
will know of any medications you are taking. If emergency dispatch
service is unavailable in your community: Reference the card to call
an ambulance service or the police as soon as you experience signs of
stroke.
Keep a phone on a low table. Stroke
victims need immediate medical attention, yet many are unable to walk
or get up after a fall. Keeping a phone on a low table will ensure you
can call for help when you need it.
Keep a clock in the bedroom, living room and
kitchen or wear a watch. If you think you might be having a
stroke, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms
appeared. This information is important to medical personnel.
Place a pad and pen on your nightstand with a
checklist of your medications. Maintain an updated record of
all your medications in a conspicuous place. In the event of a stroke,
tell emergency personnel where the list can be found. This may help
professionals determine how to treat you in the event of a stroke.
Sarasota Memorial provides "My
Medication List" for your convenience.
Provide a spouse, family member or neighbor with
a list of stroke signs and emergency numbers. Neighbors
sometimes serve as a first-line resources when a victim is found
unconscious. Although you might be aware of the signs of stroke, he or
she may not. Provide a list of stroke symptoms to your neighbor and
ask them to contact emergency personnel and/or family members in the
event of a stroke. |
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LIFELINE
Help At Your Fingertips 24 Hours A Day . . .
LIFELINE helps people live independently. During a medical emergency, one
touch of a button will summon assistance within minutes. LIFELINE offers peace
of mind and independence for you and provides reassurance to your family,
friends and caregivers. LIFELINE is a service of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and
is supported by Auxiliary volunteers. Utilizing their services enables
us to provide LIFELINE for a moderate installation cost and monthly
fee. Learn more . . .
LIFELINE
SERVICES or call 941-917-7416 for more information.
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