A stroke can happen to anyone, sometimes without warning. Recognising the symptoms and seeking emergency care quickly can make a critical difference.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

One of the most important things every employee should know is the FAST warning system.

F – Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or drifting downward?

S – Speech
Is the person's speech suddenly slurred, confused or difficult to understand?

T – Time
Time matters. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Other symptoms can include sudden vision problems, severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion or numbness.

Prevention

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. Diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and certain heart conditions can also increase risk.

Corporate Health Message: Every workplace should have people who know how to recognise a stroke and respond appropriately.

Remember: Don't wait to see if the symptoms disappear.