Recognizing A Stroke
As we get older, our bodies tend to have more potential to come up with problem.
My dad suffered a stroke a few years ago in his sleep. One side of his body was paralyzed and my mom had to bring him to hospital.
The doctor told us that it was a mild stroke and there is a good chance of recovery. One week after the stroke, my dad was able to use up to 90% of the problematic side. Now, I would say he recovered 97% except for his hand, which he is still a bit weak to grab stuff.
He went thru the therapies and was okay. My mom forced him to stop smoking right after the stroke and that was a good thing.
I came across this simple way of spotting a stroke victim at Lim Kit Siang’s blog. Its said that if someone who had suffered a stroke is sent for treatment within 3 hours, the effect can be totally reversed. So take note.
Remember the “3″ steps, STR . Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
NOTE: Another ’sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ’stick’ out their tongue. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999 immediately !! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
My father also suffered stroke in his sleep. He remained semi-paralyzed for 14 years.