whitelightnin_23
05-16-2007, 05:16 PM
May is Stroke Awareness Month (please refrain from the obvious jokes, or put them in another thread)...
My Grandmother passed away from a stroke when she was too young...so hopefully this will help others in knowing the warning signs...and act as a call to stop some unhealthy habits...we're ALL getting older and can use a healthier lifestyle...
Facts:
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, and is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Every 53 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. That's more than 700,000 people a year.
Other facts to understand are:
28% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65
Among women under 45, stroke is more common than heart attack
Woman have a one in five chance of dying of a stroke
African Americans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke primarily due to an increase incidence of high blood pressure Warning Signs:
Stroke can be thought of as a "brain attack", similar to a heart attack. It requires immediate attention. Warning signs of stroke include:
Sudden numbness of the face, leg, or one side of the body
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Sudden severe headache with no known cause In the event of a stroke, receiving medical attention immediately is of the utmost importance. Do not wait for the symptoms to subside. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital for attention right away.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or other particle. Without oxygen, the nerve cells of the brain can't function and will die within minutes. The parts of the body controlled by these cells also can't function, which can lead to death.
Although physicians and researchers have made great strides in recent years with advanced tools and treatments for stroke, the best way to survive a stroke is to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Some risk factors of stroke, including family history, age and race, cannot be controlled, but you can take steps to create a healthier lifestyle that will reduce your risk.
Stop smoking.
Decide on a quit date and speak to your doctor about the resources available to help you quit. Check with your chapter of the American Cancer Society to learn about available programs. Call the American Cancer Society at (800) QUIT-NOW for additional information.
Change your eating habits.
Reduce the amount of fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt in your diet. Consider talking to a nurse, dietitian or nutritionist to get a more structured diet.
Be more active.
Exercise for thirty minutes a day at least four days a week. Remember that exercise doesn't have to be in a gym: You can exercise by walking with friends, dancing, playing with kids or doing water aerobics
For more stroke prevention tips, visit www.strokeassociation.org (http://www.strokeassociation.org/).
My Grandmother passed away from a stroke when she was too young...so hopefully this will help others in knowing the warning signs...and act as a call to stop some unhealthy habits...we're ALL getting older and can use a healthier lifestyle...
Facts:
Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, and is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Every 53 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. That's more than 700,000 people a year.
Other facts to understand are:
28% of strokes occur in people under the age of 65
Among women under 45, stroke is more common than heart attack
Woman have a one in five chance of dying of a stroke
African Americans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke primarily due to an increase incidence of high blood pressure Warning Signs:
Stroke can be thought of as a "brain attack", similar to a heart attack. It requires immediate attention. Warning signs of stroke include:
Sudden numbness of the face, leg, or one side of the body
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Sudden severe headache with no known cause In the event of a stroke, receiving medical attention immediately is of the utmost importance. Do not wait for the symptoms to subside. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital for attention right away.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or other particle. Without oxygen, the nerve cells of the brain can't function and will die within minutes. The parts of the body controlled by these cells also can't function, which can lead to death.
Although physicians and researchers have made great strides in recent years with advanced tools and treatments for stroke, the best way to survive a stroke is to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Some risk factors of stroke, including family history, age and race, cannot be controlled, but you can take steps to create a healthier lifestyle that will reduce your risk.
Stop smoking.
Decide on a quit date and speak to your doctor about the resources available to help you quit. Check with your chapter of the American Cancer Society to learn about available programs. Call the American Cancer Society at (800) QUIT-NOW for additional information.
Change your eating habits.
Reduce the amount of fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt in your diet. Consider talking to a nurse, dietitian or nutritionist to get a more structured diet.
Be more active.
Exercise for thirty minutes a day at least four days a week. Remember that exercise doesn't have to be in a gym: You can exercise by walking with friends, dancing, playing with kids or doing water aerobics
For more stroke prevention tips, visit www.strokeassociation.org (http://www.strokeassociation.org/).