Speaker: Dr. Benjamin Nager, Neurologist

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. The National Stroke Association says the word FAST is an easy way to remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke.F is for face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of his face droop?A is for arms. Ask him to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?S is for speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his speech slurred or strange?T is for time. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not wait. Stroke is an emergency.Note the time when symptoms began, because there are clot-busting drugs that can reduce a stroke’s effects if they’re given within three hours. When in doubt, call 911. It can save someone’s life.

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