Stephanie Simpson with Integris Stroke Awareness presented information to the Kingfisher County Retired Educators Association during the group’s meeting on Jan. 10.

Following is some of the information Simpson provided to the group during the meeting at the Kingfisher Memorial Library This information is as follows:

• Stroke is the number one leading cause of disability and the number five leading cause of death in the United States.

• Use the acronym BEFASTT to help recognize signs of strokes in others or yourself : B - Balance (problems with mobility and coordination) E - Eyes (loss of vision in eyes) F - Face (drooping) A - Arm (loss of function in arm and hand) S - Speech (difficulty speaking or communicating) T - Terrible headache T - Time

• If someone is experiencing stroke symptoms, do not give them food, water or medication of any kind.

• It is better to overreact to stroke symptoms rather than being slow to act because clot-busting drugs can be administered within a 3-4 ½ hour time window for effectiveness. When in doubt, call 911 for help. Do not delay.

The KCREA’s next meeting is 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, at the Kingfisher Memorial Library.

LeeAnn Taylor will serve as the guest speaker and will discuss scams.