LO all, Given all the recent medical discussions I thought passing this on would be appropriate. Jim Slocomb M/V Sea Otter 40' Skookum San juan Islands Subject: How to recognize a stroke - Serious info Is It a Stroke? Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: *Ask the individual to smile. *Ask him or her to raise both arms. *Ask the person to speak a simple sentence. If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting last February. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved. Tell as many people as possible about this. It could save their lives! I have also heard that if you can get to a hospital within three hours much of the damage can be reversed - so time is a big issue. BE A FRIEND AND SEND THIS ARTICLE TO AS MANY FRIENDS AS POSSIBLE. --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.830 / Virus Database: 565 - Release Date: 1/6/2005 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.830 / Virus Database: 565 - Release Date: 1/6/2005