The American Heart Association created a series of Hard Hats with Heart Toolbox Talks with cardiovascular health tips and resources specifically for the construction industry to keep the workforce healthy. This weeks Toolbox Talk discusses how to reduce your risk of stroke.
What is a stroke?
Stroke is the #5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary clot.
Learn the Warning Signs of Stroke: Think F.A.S.T.
- Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is numb
- Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
- Speech: Is speech slurred?
- Time to call 9-1-1: Check the time to record when the first symptoms appeared
Learn the Spanish Warning Signs of Stroke: R. Á. P. I. D. O.
- R = Rostro caído
- Á = Álteración del equilibrio
- P = Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo
- I = Impedimento visual repentino
- D = Dificultad para hablar
- O = Obtén ayuda – llama al 911 o el numero de emergencia de su país
