Health - Heart and Stroke Foundation encourage people to “Act FAST”
In today's show, we spoke to Lucy
Gericke -
A registered dietician for the Heart and Stroke Foundation to tell us more about
how “Acting FAST ” can save a life. On the
29th of October was World Stroke Day and it is reported that you only
have three hours to get help for a stroke before you risk permanent disability.
The World Stroke Campaign aims to disseminate essential life-saving information
and share knowledge about actions and lifestyle behaviors that could avert the
assault of stroke. Stroke is the third biggest cause of death in our country
and a leading cause of adult disability as its effects can be devastating and
include brain damage which manifests as weakness or paralysis, sensory
disturbances, pain, speech problems and memory and emotional disturbances.
Therefore this year the World Stroke Organisation is appealing and encouraging
individuals to act fast, know what to look out for and how to react,
particularly in the first three hours after a stroke because it can save a life
and prevent brain damage. The following is recommended such as ask the person
to show their teeth or smile and see if one side of the face droops or does not
move as well as the other, ask the person to lift both arms up and keep them up
and see if one arm does not move or drifts downward when extended, ask the
person to repeat a short sentence (e.g. “it is a sunny day in Cape Town”) and
see if the person uses the correct words without slurring and make a careful
note of the time of onset of symptoms and call for help urgently if you spot
any one of these signs. The risk of stroke can be reduced by properly treating
and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and diabetes. For more For further
information you can contact the foundation on 0860 1 43278 (0860 1 HEART) or
visit www.heartfoundation.co.za
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