Recognizing — and Preventing — a "Brain Attack"
Each year, more than 1 million Americans suffer a stroke or "mini-stroke" (TIA). Do you know the signs of a stroke?

Melissa Makower, P.T., and Alison Trembly, R.N., are two members of the highly skilled specialty team at Jersey Shore's Stroke Center, a facility dedicated to immediate, on-target treatment of stroke.

Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) has been very active in promoting the warning signs of stroke in the community. As Stephen Martino, M.D., neurologist and medical director of the Stroke Center at JSUMC, explains, "Everyone needs to know the warning signs of stroke, because every minute lost is brain lost." Dr. Martino encourages you to learn the simple, three-question test called "FAST" to identify a stroke emergency:

F — Is the person's face suddenly droopy or uneven? Ask the person to smile or frown.

A — Does one arm drop down or seem weaker? Ask the person to hold both arms straight out in front of them for 10 seconds.

S — Is the person's speech unusual — slurring, wrong words, or unable to speak or comprehend? Ask the person to say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." or to follow a simple command such as, "Show me your right hand."

T — If the answer to any of these three questions is yes, it's time to call 911!

"All of the patients we have successfully treated at Jersey Shore with the clot-busting medicine, t-PA, during the first three hours of stroke had one thing in common: someone saw the signs of stroke and immediately called 911," adds Dr. Martino.

Dr. Martino also shares suggestions about ways to lower you risk of stroke:

• Exercise regularly. Walking 2½ hours a week may cut your risk for stroke and other cardiovascular events by 30 percent.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don't smoke.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Ask your doctor whether aspirin or other medicine can reduce your risk.