Stroke Heroes Act FAST
 

Stroke Statistics

• In the U.S., a stroke happens about every 40 seconds.
• Stroke is the leading cause of death and serious long-term disability.
• There are approximately 26 hospitalizations for stroke in Oklahoma each day.
• In 2010, Oklahoma had the second highest percentage of adults in the nation reporting a history of having a stroke (4.2%).

Stroke Risk Factors
    Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Prior Stroke
• Hereditary

   Modifiable Risk Factors

• High blood pressure
• Cardiac disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes mellitus
• Smoking
• Carotid stenosis
• High cholesterol
• Heavy alcohol use
• Sedentary lifestyle/Obesity
• Illegal drug use

Stroke Signs and Symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

FAST Campaign
Stroke is a time-sensitive, medical emergency. Time lost is brain lost. FAST is a campaign to educate the public about recognizing and reacting to stroke signs and symptoms that are visible to other people. F-A-S-T stands for:

• Face - Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm - Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both arms.
• Speech -Does their speech sound strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
• Time - If you observe any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The following material from the Stroke Heroes ACT FAST campaign are available for download:

FAST Poster - English and Spanish
FAST Wallet Card
FAST Bookmark (Double-sided) - English and Spanish

In addition, the DVD, LIfe after Stroke and Help can be ordered by calling 1-888-669-5934. This DVD covers the following:

• Stroke risk factors
• How to recognize stroke signs and symptoms
• The Stroke Heroes ACT FAST animation
• Information for stroke survivors and caregivers