Stroke is a time-sensitive condition, and early identification and treatment is important for better outcome. However, 80% of strokes are preventable with healthy living habits as well as lifestyle modifications.
Adopting S.M.A.R.T. habits can make a meaningful difference in stroke prevention. If a stroke does occur, recognising the signs with the F.A.S.T method and taking action can save lives and reduce disability. The following table outlines the key S.M.A.R.T. steps for stroke prevention and the F.A.S.T. signs to recognise stroke:
Any one of the symptoms that comes suddenly can be a stroke.
Face drooping: Is the face drooping on one side?
Arm weakness: Can the person lift both arms?
Speech difficulty: Does the person have slurred speech or difficulty speaking?
Time to call 995: The action of calling 995 for an ambulance immediately as fast recovery helps recovery.
Think F.A.S.T. when it comes to stroke.
Stroke Symptoms recognition: F.A.S.T. Jingle
Most strokes can be prevented. Stay a step ahead of stroke by S.M.A.R.T. living:
Smoke-free life: Someone who smokes 20 cigarettes a day is 6 times more likely to have a stroke compared to a non-smoker so lead a smoke free life.
Meals that are healthy: Reduce your salt and sugar intake and fill your plate with more veggies and wholegrains as healthy food choices reduce the risk of stroke.
Active lifestyle: 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week to reduce your risk of stroke.
Regular health screening: To pick up silent condition that could lead to stroke, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Take prescribed medications: Reduce the risk of stroke by taking prescribed medications to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and atrial fibrillation effectively.
Stroke Resource tool kit
The stroke resource tool kit is part of outreach to promote public awareness on stroke. The toolkit includes downloadable softcopy of A4 posters, available in 4 national languages, for display at common places such as pantry, notice boards, walkway corridors, newsletters and etc*.
Stroke Campaign 2025
SAMPLE IMAGE OF 4 POSTERS
Tactical Poster on F.A.S.T. | Tactical Poster on S.M.A.R.T. |
Thematic Poster on F.A.S.T. | Thematic Poster on S.M.A.R.T. |
Stroke Campaign 2024
SAMPLE IMAGE OF 6 POSTERS
Smoke-free life | Meals that are healthy | Active lifestyle |
Regular health screening | Take prescribed medication | F.A.S.T. and S.M.A.R.T. |
*These stroke campaign resources are intended to help you raise awareness of stroke in your community or organisation. They may be viewed, downloaded, printed, and reproduced without modification, but only for non-commercial use. All other rights are reserved. Please check back on this page for the latest stroke awareness resources.
For more information on stroke, visit Stroke Hub.
Contributed By
- An initiative by the Stroke Services Improvement Team in collaboration with all public healthcare institutions.