Fight stroke

From a close friend who suffered a stroke at age 48, this item describing 3 simple questions to ask if you see someone acting strangely and looking distressed:

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. But speed is essential as the stroke victim may suffer brain damage if observers fail to recognize what's happening. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. 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.

These 3 questions were reported as useful at an American Stroke Association meeting. As the boomers age, this simple approach could save much misery and quality of life--if not lives themselves. Maybe you can even help someone you love.