The recent news about John Singleton got me thinking…

OMEGA’S HEALTH TIP: After hearing the entertainment segments and news reports about John Singleton’s stroke, that had me asking this question, “Do we know the warning signs of a stroke?” After pulling out old health tips and remembering the acronym F.A.S.T. that had me researching the topic all over again. Here’s what I found.

According to the website, www.stroke.org, FAST is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Recognition of stroke and calling 9-1-1 will determine how quickly someone will receive help and treatment. Getting to a hospital rapidly will more likely lead to a better recovery. In case you don’t remember the commercial that played for MONTHS, here’s what FAST means:

FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

What have we learned? DO NOT try to drive yourself or the patient to the hospital.Does your personal vehicle have the same life-saving equipment as the emergency responders? THAT’S why we call 9-1-1!! Say it with me, “Time is valuable. Call 9-1-1.”

RIP John Singleton