It takes a second to say hello. Or to save a life.

As National Stroke Awareness Month unfolds for us, it’s a good time to review how to respond to the potentially debilitating or fatal threat of stroke: similar to a heart attack, it’s a brain attack.

Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is stopped by a clot in an artery or a ruptured artery.

Use this memory tool and you can save a life. Be fast by noticing:

B – Sudden balance loss

E – Sudden eyesight loss

F – Face drooping

A – Arm weakness

S – Speech difficulty

T – Time to call 911

If and when this emergency occurs with you or a loved one, immediately plan to come to the Emergency Department. We’ll be ready – and we’re always open.

More than 800,000 Americans experience stroke each year. Other sobering statistics:

• Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke.

• More than 140,000 people each year die due to stroke, and many who survive face disabling conditions.

• One in five adult deaths is stroked-related.

The be fast protocol can make a huge difference: every second you save in responding to a stroke can help reduce brain damage.

You don’t need any training or tools to prevent strokes before they happen. In fact, eight in 10 strokes can be prevented. Here’s how you help prevent these tragic health events:

• If you smoke, set a date to quit. Ask your primary care provider about resources that can help.

• If you have high blood pressure, diabetes and/or high cholesterol, control it with lifestyle, including exercise and diet, and prescribed medications.

• Avoid excessive use of alcohol.

• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in fat and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables.

• Get plenty of activity – 30 minutes of activity five days a week is what’s recommended, and it can be as simple as a daily walk.

Another great way to stay in better health and avoid serious health events like stroke?

See your primary care provider regularly, take advantage of all preventive screenings offered to you, manage any chronic conditions, and speak up when you have a question or something doesn’t seem normal. We want to be your partner in good health.

— Debbie Streier is regional president/CEO of Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center