Salem, Mass. -- What health condition is treatable if symptoms are identified F.A.S.T.? Stroke. What health condition is 80 percent preventable? Stroke.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to educate our community and spread awareness about preventing stroke, recognizing symptoms, and aiding recovery. In recent years, stroke deaths in the United States have declined by 10,000. This year, the Stroke Team at North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) hopes to continue to reduce stroke deaths and disability.

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, think F.A.S.T.

F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A = ARM Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1.

For the 6-million stroke survivors in the United States, Acting F.A.S.T. is even more critical because they are at risk for a recurrent stroke.

Most strokes can be treated. The FDA-approved treatment for ischemic (clot-caused) stroke is t-PA, a clot-busting drug that dissolves the blood clot and restores blood flow to the brain. For the drug to work effectively, t-PA must be given within three hours of the first sign of stroke symptoms. The public needs to be aware of their stroke risks and stroke symptoms to get the treatment they or their loved ones need.

More important facts:

• For every minute that brain cells are deprived of oxygen during stroke, the likelihood of brain damage increases.
• Treatment can be more effective if given early on.
• TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a risk factor of stroke and a call to action to prevent a stroke.

Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable, yet more than 700,000 Americans suffer strokes each year. There are many steps you can take to help prevent a stroke. Guidelines include keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and drinking in moderation.

About National Stroke Awareness Month

In 1989 National Stroke Association received the Presidential Proclamation recognizing May as National Stroke Awareness Month. The goal of this annual campaign is to raise public awareness about stroke risk factors, prevention, symptom recognition and acting F.A.S.T.