AmericanStroke Association highlights importance of rehabilitation after a stroke this World Stroke Day (NAPSA)—The American Heart Association/American Stroke Asso- ciation, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease andstroke, wants stroke survivors to know that whilelife maybedifferentafter a stroke, rehabilitation can help them regain some inde- pendence, decrease chances of another stroke and provide new goals to work toward. Worldwide,stroke is the No. 2 cause of death andis a leading causeof long- term disability. Stroke is more disabling thanitis fatal. However,strokeis largely beatable through high-quality rehabil- itation and patient support and implementation of the Association’s Rehabilitation Guidelines. “Rehabilitation is key to recovery after stroke,” said Olajide Williams, M.D., With quality rehabilitation, many stroke survivors can regain their independence. + Speech Difficulty—Is speech slurred? Is theperson unable to speak or chiefofstaff ofNeurology, associate pro- hard to understand? Ask the person to University Medical Center and an Amer- blue? fessor of Clinical Neurology Columbia ican Stroke Association volunteer. “But upto a third of people whohavea stroke do notparticipate in a rehab program” Stroke rehabilitation can help patients build their strength, capabilities and confidence, potentially regaining skills and returning to independent living. Rehabcanalso help patients better manage otherconditions they have, which mayaffectdaily living or their risk for a second stroke. “Stroke recovery begins the momentyoususpecta stroke,” said Williams. “The soonera person can be treated for stroke, the more likely he or sheis to have a successful outcome.” He advises everyoneto be ready to respond E.A.S.T.if they suspecta stroke. The acronym “EA.S.T” represents the most commonstroke warning signs andstandsfor: + Face Drooping—Doesoneside of the face droop oris it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven? + Arm Weakness—Is one arm weak or numb?Ask the person to raise both arms. Doesone arm drift downward? repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is + Time to Call 9-1-1—If someone showsany of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away,call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately. (Tip: Check thetimeso you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.) Education about EA.S.T is a part of the American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic. Together, the two organizations aim to help people to easily recognize the most commonstroke warningsigns to improve stroke outcomes. The American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association's Together to End Stroke™ initiative, nationally sponsored by Kindred Rehabilitation Services, raises awareness that stroke is largely beatable through high-qual- ity rehabilitation, patient support and implementation of the AHA/ASA’s Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Guidelines. For moreinformation anda full list of the stroke warning signs, visit www. StrokeAssociation.org/WorldStrokeDay.
