Strokes are the fourth biggest natural cause of death in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Daily 360 people suffer a stroke and out of those 110 people die and 90 are left with life-changing disabilities.<\/p>
A stroke is a brain attack and happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is cut off.<\/p>\n
It can be caused by a blockage or a bleed.<\/p>
Without blood, brain cells can be damaged or die.<\/p>\n
This damage can have different effects depending on where it happens in the brain and can affect the body, mobility and speech, as well as how patients think and feel.<\/p>\n
The type of disability caused by a stroke depends on the extent of brain damage and what part of the brain is damaged.<\/p>\n
Speedy treatment is vital when dealing with a stroke as every minute that treatment is delayed more of the brain is damaged.<\/p>\n
The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke.<\/p>\n
Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions:<\/p>\n
F<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Face \u2013 check their face.<\/p>\n Has their mouth drooped?<\/p>\n A<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Arms \u2013 Can they lift both arms?<\/p>\n S<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Speech \u2013 Is their speech slurred?<\/p>\n Do they understand you?<\/p>\n T<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Time \u2013 Time is crucial.<\/p>\n If you see any of these signs, call an ambulance straight away.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n