HOUSTON — A health scare sent one of Houston's favorite salesmen and philanthropists to the hospital.
Gallery Furniture owner Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale spent Tuesday night at St. Luke's Hospital after experiencing possible symptoms of a stroke.
Even from a hospital bed, McIngvale did what he does best. He talked directly to customers in a Facebook video where he's opening up about a stroke scare and -- if there was ever any doubt -- selling furniture at the same time.
McIngvale also gave out his cell phone number – (281) 844-1963 -- for people to call.
"My customers are my life," he told KHOU 11 from his hospital room.
The legendary Houston salesman said behind it all is an important message.
"Last night I was having a numbness in my face and in my arm, and you know the signs of a stroke are F.A.S.T.: face, arm, speech, get to the hospital fast," he said.
McIngvale's had mini strokes before and knew he needed to act fast.
"If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don't say it's going to pass. Check it out. It's much better to be safe than sorry," he said.
Doctors at St. Luke's said it can make a big difference.
"As the adage goes, time is brain. The earlier you work on treating stroke. The better are the outcomes with stroke," said Dr. Chethan P. Venkatasubba, Rao, M.D. Neurocritical Care, Neurology Department.
McIngvale said after a few more tests, he's hoping to get back to doing what he loves at Gallery Furniture and maybe in the process save others.
"I hope this influences people to take care of themselves so they can be productive members of the community, for themselves, for their family and for all of us," he said.
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