10

"A pre-stroke is actually a mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. It is very serious and should be treated as such, as often it is a preview of more serious strokes to come." Owen explained as everyone sat with silent shock, "It is a precursor so we need to be aware of things. Anna is already shaking off the effects, her face starting to respond more fluidly and by this time tomorrow you will probably think she if fine. She's not. This is a warning like a little shake before the major earthquake that topples buildings."

"So … what do we look for?" Fay asked.

"Symptoms to look out for include pins and needles down one side, facial weakness, speech problems that often last only a short time." Owen said and he walked over to point to the board on the wall, "I am making up these posters to put in all the main areas. Get acquainted with this will you?"

Use FAST to remember and recognize the following signs and symptoms of stroke:

F: Face drooping. Ask the person to smile, and see if one side is drooping. One side of the face may also be numb, and the smile may appear uneven.

A: Arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Is there weakness or numbness on one side? One arm drifting downward is a sign of one-sided arm weakness.

S: Speech difficulty. People having a stroke may slur their speech or have trouble speaking at all. Speech may be incomprehensible. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and look for any speech abnormality.

T: Time to call for help! If a person shows any of the symptoms above, even if the symptoms went away, get the person to Owen immediately.

"I have had a fright too, I think it's time for some general first aid courses and such to resume. I want every area to have at least one medic on duty during each shift! I shouldn't all be down to me and Logan. Tosh is a doctor too ya know, studied and everything, time the three of us sort some classes, yeah?" Owen said sternly and heads nodded, "Kitchen. Farm. Auto shop. School."

"Abner, you and your son were dentists right? Some medical training that can help out. Now, we are all living healthy, cholesterol is not a factor with the choices the cooks make for us and the fact we all exercise well." Logan spoke up "Ianto's idea to add a gym down here was a good one and I would hope to see some more of you join us there as the winter progresses, we need to stay well and strong for our jobs, children and one another. Let's all look at this as a warning, yeah?"

"Also, I want to announce that Hailey and I are expecting" Art said with pride, the place erupting as the serious and concerning business was over, Owen nodding as they had discussed it and knew the change of topic would ease the children who were hanging off every word and would worry. Now the baby took their minds off thing as Hope looked around and frowned.

She leaned over to Dean, "We need some work too. We all have to do our part."

"I agree" Dean said in his little sing-song voice that was a melodic as their Dam's "the Farm is not the only place that need someone to help. We should have Bigs doing more kitchen work as well."

"Yeah" she leaned back to tap her fingers on the arm of her chair as she considered, looking around at the children and knowing Dean was right. Not just the Bigs. Inbetweenies could help too.

Ianto glanced over as he caught a hint of his daughter's mind and smiled at her as he blew a kiss, her face serene as she plotted.

For a small child of nine and a half she was scary. Her intelligence closer to that of a sixteen year old and twice as feisty, she was about to whip her herd into shape whether they liked it or not. Ianto felt pride in his first born and she felt it wash over her as she smiled to herself.

"What can we do for her now?" Tish asked.

"She will want to go back to work, no fuss" Ianto cut in as he return to the conversation at hand, "Don't be fooled. She will lie. Try to let her and help to one side. Get in her way and she will mow you down with Pip's chair."

Giggles as they all agreed.

"I will try to talk to her about slowing down, hopefully when Mimi drops she will focus on that but for now we have to occupy her with more sedate chores. Mending, knitting … things you might need and asked for already but she was too busy? She will smell a rat if it's new" Ianto waned as they all agreed.

"Is Pip OK?" Francine asked softly, "He seems so upset, like he knew."

"He does know. He is a baby but also mine, advanced. He knows this is not good and is scared of losing her. She is his moon and stars, as much as it hurts to admit, he loves her more than anyone, even me" Ianto nodded, "Please remember, he is also super intelligent and hears all words. Do not talk in front of him or he will get pissed at you and need his little stick."

They laughed as he lightened the mood again and Jack leaned in to kiss the shell of his ear, knowing Pip wasn't the only one wanting to bash the brains out of something right now.

Ianto was terrified.

He needed her too.