[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2012]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD STROKE DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LOIS CAPPS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of World Stroke 
Day, which was observed on October 29, 2011.
  Stroke is a global health crisis that kills six million people 
annually. While some stroke survivors gain full functionality back, 30-
50% of survivors require the support of a caregiver or have 
difficulties returning to work. While these numbers are startling, they 
do not adequately address the emotional toll which stroke survivors and 
their families must deal with, let alone the associated financial 
hardships which accompany a stroke.
  While there are numerous risk factors that increase an individual's 
risk of stroke, it can affect anyone at any age so we all must be 
prepared. Use the ``FAST'' method to remember the warning signs:
  F (FACE): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  A (ARMS): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift 
downward?
  S (SPEECH): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech 
slurred or strange?
  T (TIME): If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  I am proud to pay tribute to the seven million stroke survivors, 
their families and care givers and hope that the global community will 
take part in the effort to reduce the impact of stroke in the future.

                          ____________________