Think strokes just happen to seniors? Think again. A stroke was the last thing healthy Sten Anderson thought would happen to him at the young age of 24. But it did.
This May, being Stroke Awareness Month, you should be aware that a stroke can happen at any time, at any age and even to perfectly healthy people. Sten felt a major headache come on while running on his treadmill and, although there can be different signs of stroke, there are four main ones. Educate yourself because in the case of stroke – time is critical. From the onset of a stroke to the arrival at the emergency room, damage can be minimized the quicker you get there. Move F.A.S.T.
- FACE – Is their face drooping? Ask them to smile to find out.
- ARMS – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- SPEECH – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase like Mary had a little lamb. Is their speed slurred or does it sound strange?
- TIME – Call 911 and note the time of the first symptom. This will help determine treatment options.
Sten was lucky, but it wasn’t without determination and lots of work. The Hennepin Stroke Center and the Knapp Rehabilitation Center were a big part of his young life. Read Sten’s story.