What is a stroke?
There are two categories of strokes; ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, which deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is bleeding in the brain.
- What are some common symptoms of a stroke?
- Slurred or garbled speech.
- Loss of balance or coordination.
- Dizziness.
- Sudden severe headache.
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the face, arm, or leg usually on one side of the body.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; double vision, dimness or blurring.
What to do if you think you are having a stroke?
Do not wait for the symptoms to get worse, immediately call 911.
How to prevent a stroke?
- See a doctor on a regular basis- to check if you are at risk for a life threatening stroke, and if so begin taking the proper medication.
- Control high blood pressure- eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and take the necessary medications prescribed by your physician.
- Don’t smoke.
- Quit smoking – for smokers who quit the risk of having a stroke reduces to that of a non smoker after 10 years.
- Manage stress – exercise and meditation techniques can help reduce stress.
- Manage cholesterol – high cholesterol is a risk factor that should be addressed by your physician.
- Control diabetes – diabetes can be controlled through diet, exercise, medication, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Are you at risk for heart disease?
Visit www.clarianarnett.com to take a free online heart risk assessment.
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