Health Highlight

Stroke Awareness

 

To get through the hardest journey, we need only take one step at a time.  But we must keep on stepping.  ~Proverb

 

            Someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States and every four minutes, a stroke victim dies.  Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of adult disability.  The National Stroke Association shares that there are a number of different types of strokes that have different debilitating effects on the body. I wish to share with you a few tips on how to recognize a stroke and to minimize the long-term damage that can be caused by strokes.  The following information is from Stroke.org on the symptoms and signs of stroke.

            The most common symptom that people associate with a stroke is a visual change with a person’s facial expression.  Typically, with a stroke episode, there is a slight droop on one side of the face or the other which is sometimes confused with Bell Palsy, but the reality is that the brain is being deprived of oxygen and cells are dying.  Strokes are considered medical emergencies so identifying the warning signs and symptoms quickly is imperative. When suffering from a stroke every minute counts. More brain cells are lost every minute a stroke goes untreated because blood flow is being restricted and blocked from the brain. The quicker the victim is able to seek medical assistance the less damage their speech, memory, and movement will suffer. The stroke symptoms typically develop quickly but can become apparent over hours or in rare cases even days. Here are the 10 signs and symptoms of a stroke:

1. Numbness in Arms or Face

2. Trouble Speaking

3. Changes in Vision

4. Sudden Headaches

5. Trouble Detecting Hot or Cold

6. Trouble Swallowing

7. Difficulty Walking

8. Confusion

9. Dizziness or Vertigo

10. Loss of Consciousness

           

            I know that many of the symptoms listed above are not commonly known but it is important to understand when a friend or loved one is acting out of character, dazed or confused, the reason might be more serious than you think.  If you feel that you or someone you care about is suffering from these symptoms then medical attention should be sought out immediately.  If you would like more detail of these symptoms then I recommend that you check out stroke.org as they have a wealth of information to help give a more in-depth explanation to go along with each symptom. 

            The risk factors for stroke are just as important as understanding the symptoms.  According to the Stroke Association, the most common risk factors are:

1.       High Blood Pressure

2.      Smoking

3.      Diabetes

4.      Poor Diet

5.      Physical Inactivity

6.      Obesity

7.      High Cholesterol

8.      Carotid Artery Disease

9.      Peripheral Artery Disease

10.  Atrial Fibrillation

11.  Sickle Cell Disease

12.  Other Heart Disease

            A pretty significant list of risks that many people don’t know they have until it’s too late.  As with many health issues I encourage you to talk to your doctor and see if there are any stroke risks that you should be concerned with and if so, seek a treatment plan.  I hope everyone has an outstanding week.  Take care of yourself and each other, remember, we’re all in this together.

 

Wm Reid

Best Home Care Services

325 N Eastern Ave

Connersville, IN 47331

765-827-9833

wmreid@bhcshealth.com