BE-FASTER! app for iPhone and iPad

This app is designed and produced by United Stroke Alliance (www.unitedstrokealliance.org) and developed by a member of its Advisory Board.

The copyrighted symbol BE-FASTER! (@2020, United Stroke Alliance) as shown on the apps icon and opening screen is a registered trademark owned by United Stroke Alliance.

Our intent is that non-medically trained observers, even children, can have a convenient, fast, simple way to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. This app presents the five most obvious signs to look for. These signs are also recognized by the American Stroke Association ( www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms).

Each item listed on the main screen of this app shows a symptom that may be an indication of a stroke. Especially if more than one is detected. Each item is a button. When tapped, it will give an explanation of that symptom. The app lists the most common symptoms and urges you to call for emergency transportation to a hospital. If any symptoms are present it is very important to act fast.

These symptoms and expanded explanations were developed with the cooperation and medical expertise of United Stroke Alliance (www.unitedstrokealliance.org) and stroke staff of OSF St. Francis Medical Center of Peoria Illinois.

As a global, non-profit organization, United Stroke Alliance is dedicated to educating people on the Prevention, Awareness and Recovery of stroke for survivors, caregivers and their families. Our goal is to help people understand the signs of stroke and BE-FASTER! This app will be a major tool for that.

We do this through our divisions listed below:

-> Youth Education On Stroke (YES) - This app will supplement our program where we teach 5th grade students BE-FASTER! In the YES program, a teacher, nurse, or other educator uses a curriculum around prevention and awareness to help 5th grade students learn the signs of stroke and to take early action if someone they know may be having a stroke. The YES program uses United Stroke Alliance’s BE-FASTER!  acronym to help youth remember the major symptoms of stroke and the action they should take.

Currently, United Stroke Alliance serves approximately 1,000 fifth grade students each year through our Youth Education on Stroke program in Illinois. In several instances both locally and where United Stroke Alliance has shared our curriculum, students have recognized a stroke in a family member as a result of our YES program.

-> Strike Out Stroke™ (SOS) - This app will help address a deficit in awareness as we provide national stroke awareness through events at Major and Minor League Baseball games.

-> Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp (RRSC) - This app will be a part of this mission. The primary mission of the camps is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, caregivers, and families through relaxing weekend/retreats. Activities may include, group discussion, speakers, music, games, chair massage, fingernail painting, hand wax dips, dancing, swimming, fishing and craft projects to stimulate the body, mind and spirit!

Most people in America do not know the signs and do not respond quick enough to receive early treatment to minimize post stroke challenges. In fact, According to Monroe Clinic (www.monroeclinic.org), a national survey commissioned by Ronald Reagan, UCLA Medical Center revealed the startling findings that 75 percent of respondents under age 45 are unaware of, or underestimate, the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Because of this they do not respond quick enough to reduce the effects of the stroke. This app can change that.

https://www.monroeclinic.org/didyouknow/75-americans-under-age-45-dont-know-signs-stroke

https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2017/03/23/13/33/most-americans-dont-know-the-signs-of-a-stroke-do-you#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20how%20serious,may%20wait%20out%20the%20symptoms