From a close friend who suffered a stroke at age 48, this item describing 3 simple questions to ask if you see someone acting strangely and looking distressed:

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. But speed is essential as the stroke victim may suffer brain damage if observers fail to recognize what’s happening. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

1. Ask the individual to SMILE.
2. Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
3. Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

These 3 questions were reported as useful at an American Stroke Association meeting. As the boomers age, this simple approach could save much misery and quality of life–if not lives themselves. Maybe you can even help someone you love.