How to save a life during a stroke emergency

Little Rock, Arkansas — May is stroke awareness month. We’re highlighting the warning signs you should look out for.

Every 40 seconds someone in the country has a stroke and every three and a half minutes someone dies due to a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Though anyone can experience a stroke, women, minorities, and those over the age of 55 are at higher risk.

According to Public health official Anna Williams: “Stroke is an obstruction to the blood flow in the brain, either due to a blood clot or a blood vessel that’s broken and is bleeding and it causes an interruption in the blood flow,” said Williams.

One way to acknowledge if you or a loved one may be experiencing a stroke is by using the slogan B.E.F.A.S.T. It stands for balance, eyes, face, arm, speech, and the most important factor which is time.

Williams spoke about how you should take action when you notice someone experiencing any of these symptoms. “It’s time to call 911 because two million brain cells die every minute,” said Williams. “So if you can get this person to the hospital sooner than later or within three hours, they can be treated and possibly avoid any disability or death.”

As well as other health issues Smoking and stress are big factors that can lead to stroke. Williams shared other ways to decrease your chances of having a stroke. “Keep an eye on your blood pressure,” said Williams. “Get it checked regularly. Make sure your cholesterol is good. Make sure your diabetes is under control and all these three chronic illnesses can be treated with diet and lifestyle.”