Stroke Awareness
A stroke is a brain attack that is the 4th leading cause of death in the US. This illness disables more Americans than any other disease. During a stroke there is an interruption of blood to the brain; either the blood supply is blocked or a blood vessel within the brain ruptures. The brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients which cause brain cells to die. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment in order to minimize brain damage.
Close to 90% of strokes in the US are ischemic which occur as a result of a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain. A hemorrhagic occurs when a blood vessel ruptures. The third most common is a TIA also known as a mini stroke which often last less than five minutes. A TIA occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to part of the brain.
Watch for these signs and symptoms
Difficulty speaking and understanding
Confusion
Numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
Headache, dizziness with possible vomiting
Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble walking and loss of coordination
Prevention
Regular exercise
Maintain a healthy weight
Moderate to no alcohol consumption
Stop smoking
Avoid illicit drugs
Keep blood pressure in control
Reduce high cholesterol
Keep diabetes in control
Seek treatment for sleep apnea
Treat cardiovascular disease
The best way to prevent a stroke is by living healthy with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, maintaining a good weight and participating in regular exercise. This illness can be complex and affect both the loved one and family caregiver.
This article is dedicated to Easy Living's long time friend and business consultant Fred Easman. Fred passed away recently due to complications from a stroke. Fred will be missed by all of the lives that he touched and he would want us to make as many people as possible aware of the dangers of having a stroke.
At Easy Living, we are proud to support families in their efforts to keep their loved ones safe, comfortable and fulfilled, at home. Flexible, customized care options are available to accommodate hectic lifestyle challenges, care is available on an hourly or around the clock basis. Make life a little easier for someone you love with caregiver services. Call us to find out how, 770-442-8664.