Recognizing World Stroke Day – October 29
October 29 marks World Stroke Day, a global effort to raise awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. At HaysMed, we encourage everyone to take a moment to learn the signs of stroke using the BE FAST method, it could save a life.
BE FAST stands for:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance
- E – Eyes: Sudden vision changes
- F – Face Drooping
- A – Arm Weakness
- S – Speech Difficulty
- T – Time to Call 911
Knowing these signs and acting quickly can make a critical difference in stroke outcomes.
The American Heart Association shares five key facts about stroke that everyone should know:
- Stroke kills brain cells – A stroke occurs when a clot or rupture interrupts blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die from lack of oxygen.
- There are different types of stroke – Ischemic (clot), Hemorrhagic (rupture), and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as a “warning stroke.”
- One in four stroke survivors is at risk for another – Fortunately, up to 80% of second clot-related strokes may be preventable.
- Prevention is key – Managing blood pressure, making healthy lifestyle choices, and following prescribed treatments can reduce risk.
- Time lost is brain lost – Recognizing stroke symptoms and calling 911 immediately is crucial.
Stroke can affect anyone, and awareness is the first step toward prevention and timely care. HaysMed is proud to support stroke education and encourages our community to share this life-saving information. Learn more at stroke.org.
