Chennai: Fortis Malar Hospital organised a public awareness programme BE FAST on account of World Stroke Day. BE FAST highlights the need to identify signs of stroke, so that immediate medical attention can be provided. BE FAST approach is an acronym for signs of a stroke like Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call stroke centre. The act, performed at busy traffic crossings like Adyar junction and Thiruvanmiyur, created a lot of interest among the people. A group of doctors from the hospital's comprehensive stroke team were also present to conduct this awareness programme as part of World Stroke Day.
“A stroke is a medical emergency and there is now an ability to intervene and restore blood supply to the brain. Time saved is brain saved, so it really does matter how fast you can identify it and react. It's very important that everyone is aware of BE FAST so that a person who has a stroke can be recognised and treated immediately”, said Dr Dinesh Nayak, senior consultant neurologist and epileptologist, Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai.
