DEAR ABBY: Please share this lifesaving information with as many people as you can. A person who has a stroke may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms.
A bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
1. Ask the individual to smile.
2. Ask the person to raise both arms.
3. Ask him or her to speak a simple sentence.
If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately.
After my friend Sherry saw her friend Suzie stumble, she asked her the three questions and Suzie failed all three, so Sherry called 9-1-1. Even though Suzie had normal blood pressure readings, did not appear to be having a stroke, and could -- to some extent -- converse with the paramedics, she HAD suffered a massive stroke.
The good news is, thanks to the quick diagnosis and medical treatment, Suzie is recovering at a remarkable pace. -- CATHY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.
DEAR CATHY: I'm relieved your story has a happy ending, and that your friend Sherry was informed enough to summon medical assistance right away. Thank you for sharing these important tips. I'm sure everyone who reads your letter will be grateful that you took the time to write.