11 percent of patients in counties with the campaign got to the hospital quickly enough to receive tPA, but only 1 percent of those who lived in five other counties without the campaign did. And another study, conducted last year at the University of North Carolina, found people can be taught quickly to recognize the signs of stroke. Even schoolchildren are probably capable of recognizing the warning signs of a stroke, says study author Dr. Jane Brice, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina. She says since children are already taught to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), recognizing strokes and calling 911 would be just as easy or even easier for them to learn. The biggest mistake people make, Brice says, is to wait to see if the symptoms will go away before calling 911. "They don't want to come to the emergency department for 'nothing,' " she says. "This is a mistake. In order to have access to the most sophisticated therapies, the person must come immediately." Mike in Brazil Most experts agree that people are becoming more aware of stroke. "Loved ones are 'fairly accurate' in detecting strokes," Buxton says. "They might notice they are walking differently than they normally would or their speech is a little slurred." "Sometimes the patients themselves recognize it," Buxton adds. "They might feel a little clumsy or have a sudden change in vision." "In the eight years I have worked with stroke patients, every year I see less and less procrastination," Buxton says. "If you have any sudden onset of neurological symptoms, you should call 911 immediately to get the process in motion for evaluation for possible stroke." 8th street latinas Public awareness has improved, but could improve more, Brice says. "We need to talk about stroke more," Brice says. "I think people need to review the warning signs and symptoms of stroke with their friends and relatives. Educating your neighbors, friends and relatives may save your life."