Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Doctors now say that a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: "3" steps. STR:

S* Ask the individual to SMILE.

T* Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE coherent. For example: "It is sunny out today."

R* Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately, and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Signs of a Stroke ----- Stick out Your Tongue

Ask the person to stick out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked' or if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.