Health & Fitness Tips
April Is Stroke Awareness Month
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What is stroke?
Stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States. More than 800,000 people die in the U.S. each year from cardiovascular disease and strokes. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly
reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.National Stroke Association’s Stroke Prevention & Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Know your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure work with your doctor to control it.
- Find out if you have Atrial Fibrillation. Work with your doctor to control the effects.
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles your risk for stroke. Get help from your doctor.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you don’t drink, don’t start.
- Know your cholesterol number. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it.
- If you are a Diabetic follow your doctor’s recommendations to carefully control your disease.
- Keep moving. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
- Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
- Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems. If so, work with your doctor.
If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Stroke.orgWhat are the Signs and Symptoms?
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The five most common signs and symptoms of stroke are:
If you think that you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. How would you know?? Act FAST!
Face - ask them to smile… one side may droop or not move.
Arms - ask them to raise both arms…one may droop.
Speech - Ask them to repeat a short sentence -their words may slur or not make sense.
Time - Dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Treatments given in time can help and possibly even reverse the stroke itself. -
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