MAY IS STROKE AWARENESS MONTH

By: Rosetta Key

If someone is having a stroke around you would you recognize the signs? The Ocean County Health Department is hoping to teach residents how to detect stroke symptoms early to help speed up medical attention and to help prevent the chances for irreversible damage.

Health Department spokeswoman Leslie Terjesen says a good way to identify the signs of a stroke is by using the F-A-S-T method detection.

According to the Health Department press release, "To do this; observe the person for the following and ask these questions:

F - FACE - Ask the person to smile. Is there some dropping on one side of the face?

A - ARM - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drop down?

S - SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does his or her speech sound slurred or strange?

T - TIME - If you observe any of these symptoms, it's TIME to call 9-1-1.

"Also, for more information on stroke prevention, contact the National Stroke Association at 1-800-STROKES go to their web site at http://www.stroke.org/"

Terjesen says the Health Department is commemorating Stroke Awareness Month by offering the services of the Mobile Stroke Risk Assessment Program (MSRAP). Residents can participate in the free screening program this Friday May 15th and Monday May 18th at the Toms River Office.

Shes says MSRAP program consist of a Blood Pressure Measurement, Pulse Check, Carotid Bruits and a Personal/Family Medical History. Terjesen says, "they actually go over all the stroke risk factors with the people and they give recommendations and an action plan for them." However, Terjesen is quick to advise anyone taking the assessment to share the results with their primary care physician.

The MSRAP is free but appointments are necessary. For more information call 732-341-9700 ext. 7604.

Leslie Terjesen will be one of the guest on WOBM's Open Forum Program airing this Wednesday night at 6 o' clock on 1160 a.m.