Stroke is a brain attack, occurring when vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain are cut off or greatly reduced, the Newsmax Health reported.

The National Stroke Association suggests using the word FAST to help recognize four signs of a stroke.

F stands for Face: ask the person to smile, and see whether one side of the face droops.

A stands for Arms: if both arms are raised, does one drift to the side?

S stands for Speech: is it slurred, or strange?

And T stands for Time: don’t waste time before calling 911 if someone has started to show any of these signs.

The American Stroke Association says that during a stroke, “Time lost is brain lost.” An estimated two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability and death.

Nearly a million Americans suffer a stroke each year, with one occurring every 40 seconds, according to the National Stroke Association. There are an estimated seven million stroke survivors age 20 and older in the U.S.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death, and also a leading cause of adult disability.

Dr. Rani Whitfield, a family practitioner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and national volunteer spokesperson for the American Stroke Association, said, “You should maintain a healthy weight, exercise and don’t smoke. If you smoke, stop smoking today.”