Educational health information to improve your well-being.
Posts in Stroke
Beat the Heat: How to Prevent Heat Stroke
June 12, 2018
Blue skies, bright sun, and warm temperatures make for perfect days of working, playing, and being in the great outdoors. After the winter chill, we're all ready for a little fun in the sun. However, every season comes health hazards. For warmer seasons, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related injury. In fact, it can cause brain damage or even death. Staying safe in the sun is possible though. Learning about heat stroke and how to prevent it is an important step to protect yourself. Important Facts About Heat Stroke Temperature and humidity create dangerous conditions for heat stroke...Continue Reading
How to Increase Your Chances of Surviving a Stroke
May 23, 2018
Every year, nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. In other words, a stroke happens every 40 seconds. Unfortunately, a stroke also claims a life every four minutes. With statistics like these, strokes are now the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., as well as the leading cause of adult disability. However, up to 50 percent of strokes are preventable. Do you know the best actions for surviving a stroke? What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. The brain cells die because they become deprived of the oxygen and glucose...Continue Reading
1 in 3 Americans Have Hypertension. Do You?
May 7, 2018
Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is often a silent killer. The disorder can quietly damage your body for years before symptoms develop. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure may cause disabilities, a poor quality of life, or even be fatal. Hypertension may also be called the silent killer since nearly half of people that go untreated die of heart disease and another third die of stroke. Understanding this important health indicator is essential for good health. Understanding Blood Pressure Blood pressure is defined as the pressure of the blood pushing against the walls...Continue Reading
FDA to Cut Nicotine Levels in Cigarettes
April 23, 2018
Smoking causes more deaths each year than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, and firearm-related incidents combined. Because of this, the FDA is working to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, the portion that causes the smoker to become addicted. What are the real health risks of smoking, and why is the legislation being processed now? An Overview of Smoking An estimated 37.8 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000...Continue Reading
Stroke Recovery: What Happens After a Stroke?
June 13, 2017
When people experience a stroke, symptoms can vary depending on which parts of the brain are affected. Some people have weakness on one side of the body. Others have trouble thinking, talking, or moving. A stroke can be frightening to both the patient and the family. It helps to remember that stroke survivors often have a successful recovery when medical intervention happens as quickly as possible. Factors That Affect Your Ability to Recover The disabilities a stroke survivor experiences and the prognosis for recovery depend on the following: General Health How Much the Brain Was Damaged...Continue Reading
Stroke Recovery: 7 Questions to Ask Before Going Home
June 9, 2017
Leaving the hospital after a stroke can be just as terrifying as the day you were admitted. While being discharged may provide some relief, it can also be confusing and overwhelming for patients and their caregivers. Every hospital has its own discharge and assessment process that determines the type of care prescribed once you leave their care. To make the transition easier, it's vital that you and your caregiver be completely involved throughout the process. Here are a few questions to ask before going home after a stroke: 1. Where is the Best Place for Me to Continue My Recovery? Going...Continue Reading
Unique Stroke Risk Factors for Women
June 7, 2017
While stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for men, it is the third leading cause of death for women. In fact, every year 55,000 more women have strokes than men. Since women typically live longer than men, stroke can have an especially long-lasting effect on their lives. More women: Live alone when they experience a stroke Are more likely to live in a long-term care facility after a stroke Fare worse in their post-stroke recovery It is vital for women to protect their health by understanding their unique stroke risk factors. General Stroke Risk Factors for Women You can improve your...Continue Reading
What Causes a Stroke?
June 5, 2017
You may already recognize the warning signs of a stroke. While the signs may vary from person to person, the trademark of these symptoms is that they come on suddenly. Someone experiencing a stroke may not be able to lift their arms, their face might droop on one side, or their speech might be slurred. Getting help fast can mean the difference between lifelong disabilities and a full recovery. There are two primary types of strokes: Ischemic Strokes Hemorrhagic Strokes Each type affects the brain in different ways and can have different causes. Ischemic Strokes Ischemic strokes are more...Continue Reading
What to Do When Someone is Having a Stroke
June 2, 2017
No one wants to see a loved one experience a stroke. However, if you suspect your loved one is suffering from a stroke or transient ischemic attack, you need to help them as quickly as possible.Continue Reading
What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
May 31, 2017
When someone is having a stroke, their brain isn't getting the adequate blood or oxygen it needs to function. Help must be given as quickly as possible so that serious and lasting problems don't occur, and to improve the chances of recovery. Symptoms of a Stroke There are occasions when a stroke develops gradually but this is rare. In most cases, symptoms of a stroke happen suddenly. Some of the most common symptoms of a stroke are: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if only one side is affected Confusion or difficulty understanding what other people are saying...Continue Reading