According to the American Heart Association, strokes killed 137,119 people in 2006, which ranks behind only heart disease and cancer. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and quickly responding are the most important ways you can help someone experiencing a stroke.

The signs of a stroke are varied and usually occur suddenly. The American Red Cross has a useful acronym for recognizing a stroke: FAST.

1) Face – Ask the person to smile. See if there is drooping on one side of the face.

2) Arm – Ask the person raise their arms. See if they have difficulty raising one of their arms.

3) Speech – Ask the person to say a few words. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty pronouncing words.

4) Time – Note the time you witnessed any of the above symptoms and call 911.

However, sometimes the signs of a stroke can be more difficult to recognize. A sudden searing headache that does not go away could be a stroke. Other possible signs include trouble seeing in one or both eyes, dizziness, and loss of coordination and balance.

If you believe someone is having a stroke they need immediate medical attention. Strokes are so deadly because blood flow is being blocked to a section of the brain – and without blood that section of the brain will literary die. There are now treatments that can decrease the affects of a stroke, but these treatments are very time sensitive. If you think someone is having a stroke call 911 immediately.

To learn more about strokes and how to respond to other medical emergencies, consider taking an American Red Cross or American Heart Association first aid or CPR class.

If you are one of those people whose hearts are set to help others, then you could consider taking up nursing. This can also be achieved by becoming an assistant in nursing. The health industry is always in constant need for qualified staff and one of the best tactics to get you into this profession is attending American Red Cross CNA training classes. The classes are also available in different states.

CNA means Certified Nursing Assistant. It could also refer to an individual who takes care of patients in the name of a registered nurse. The profession has very many benefits that come with it. There are several things that you need to need to know about the CNA.

The first thing one needs to do is locate a good school to join for it is very important. The nurses can be called by other names such as orderlies, nurse aides, home health aides and patient care technicians. This being so, the school one chooses will not change the quality of the services rendered.

One can still make this possible by studying in the college in their neighborhood or by joining the American Red Cross. The period you undertake the training is mostly influenced by state rules but most courses take a maximum period of six weeks to complete. They are costly but you will see the value for your money once you are through and accomplished your dream.

After joining your desired college and you are through with your course, the Red Cross comes in and offers you the certification course. They also have an online training through registration. This helps all those that are undertaking other professions but are still in the dire need to help others.

For full certification, one needs to take a test that includes theory and a practical. The practical entails one having to be assigned to a ward where you will do the theory practically. The theory part of it is questioning and you are provided with answers to choose from. Ability and personality tests are also required for certification. Those that do not have the proper behavior are not easily chosen. In addition, someone who has a contagious disease is not recommended for the line of work for he or she might infect the patient being looked after.

Another very attractive aspect is that the government has introduced grants to help those without the financial ability to pursue their dreams. In addition, there are also online websites that are offering courses free. Even though, for successful application one can use the ones designed for minorities and women. This will boost you chances of getting the grant requested.

If your heart is set in this career, then choose American Red Cross CNA training and you will see that you are in the right path. This is the solid foundation in becoming a qualified nurse. This will give you the assurance you need in attaining you goals in life and your heart will be more at ease.