May is Stroke Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about the symptoms of a stroke. The faster you recognize the signs, the quicker you can contact help and reduce the effects and negative outcomes for the stroke victim. Northern KY Emergency Medical Services, a health training center located in Fort Thomas, provides a first aid certification program that’s open to the public.

The first aid certification course will help you recognize the signs of a stroke, which include:

• Face Drooping: When a person is undergoing a stroke, their face will often begin to droop on one side. Their mouth will fall open and their eye will look slightly closed.
• Arm Weakness: If you see someone clutching their arm, unable to lift it or hold anything, they may be having a stroke. Especially if this occurs in combination with the other listed symptoms, it’s important to seek help immediately.
• Speech Difficulty: Another sign of a stroke is when the victim begins to slur their words and is unable to make coherent sentences.

Reducing high blood pressure and high cholesterol can prevent strokes, so it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can also raise awareness about this rising epidemic on social media and in conversations. Tell people the signs and encourage them to take a local first aid certification class so they can help themselves and others in the event of an emergency.

If you live in the Fort Thomas area, join in the ranks of individuals who are educating themselves about the dangers of strokes and other health issues with a first aid certification class. The classes offered at Northern KY Emergency Medical Services provide quality health training that can truly help you make a difference in your community. Find out more about their classes online or give them a call at (859) 572-4511.