When it Comes to Strokes, Think F.A.S.T

Today is world stroke day a day to raise awareness about the world's second leading cause of death. In the U.S. someone has a stroke every forty seconds and it can happen to anyone. But there are certain risk factors to look for. People who are obese, have high blood pressure or smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk. Doctor Carolyn Brockington says to act immediately if someone is showing stroke symptoms. "So the longer that you wait, the more likely the brain is irreversibly injured. So it's not time to Google, or call your friends, etcetera, it's time to call 911 and go to the emergency room right away," says Carolyn Brockington, MD/ director of stroke center at mount Sinai St. Luke's-Roosevelt hospital. There is a simple acronym called F.A.S.T. to identify stroke symptoms. If you see face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty it's time to call 911.