Soup ‘n Stroke event supports stroke survivors and their families

Stroke is the #4 cause of death among Americans. Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability yet many people don’t recognize symptoms of a stroke and don’t know what to do if a stroke occurs.

“Soup ‘n Stroke,” a new gathering that supports stroke survivors and their families, has recently started under the direction of Amy Anderson, Sunshine Terrace Foundation community liaison officer and Dr. Sydney Schaefer, head of the Motor Rehabilitation Learning Laboratory in the USU Health, PE and Recreation Department.

So how do you know if someone is experiencing a stroke? On KVNU’s Crosstalk program Anderson suggested people think of the acronym F.A.S.T.

“‘F’ stands for Face. If you’re with somebody or if you feel like one side of your face is drooping that can be an immediate sign of stroke,” Anderson explained. “The ‘A’ is for Arm. If you go to raise your arms at the same time and only one side of your body responds, so you have weakness on one side of your body, that is another warning sign of stroke.

“The ‘S’ is for Speech. Your speech could either be slurred, it sounds like you have marbles inside your mouth when you’re trying to talk, or you’re unable to answer a simple question.”

Anderson said that ‘T’ stands for Time. If anyone exhibits these symptoms of stroke, time is of the essence and 911 should be called immediately.

She says the Soup ‘n Stroke get-togethers are held the third Tuesday of each month starting at 4 p.m. at the Wanlass Building, 300 North 200 West in Logan.

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