Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), also known as stroke, usually comes on quickly without warning. We should all know the warning signs.

F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?


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

T—Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Take immediate action. When you get to the hospital, a brain CT scan will be done. This is to determine if there is a stroke. It will also determine if it is a stroke from a clot or from a bleed (ruptured vessel in the brain). With quick treatment, stroke damage can be reversed or never happen. However if the timing is delayed, stroke damage can be permanent and debilitating and alter a life forever.

It is better to be evaluated and be fine than to delay stroke treatment. If you take quick action, and stroke is caught early, the clot can be removed or the bleeding stopped.

Strokes can happen at any age. 1/3 are under age 65.

Nearly 800,000 people in the US have a stroke each year.

1 in every 20 deaths is due to stroke.

Your risks are higher if you have –

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• Sickle cell disease
• High cholesterol
• Family history of stroke

or if you smoke.

If you ever have these symptoms for a few minutes, then they go away, still call 911. A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary blockage of a brain blood vessel. It is a huge warning sign that you are at risk for a full stroke. Never ignore these!

If you would like to be assessed for you personal stroke risks contact www.medsmash.com.

Biblical Application

The same is true so many of our actions. God’s timing is impeccable. Sometimes God says ‘Go’ and you should go quickly and not hesitate. Other times God says wait.  Waiting can be hard, but throughout the Bible we are encouraged to wait.

Blessings,

MIchelle Fritsch