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Posts in Stroke
Lost in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stroke Awareness Month and Treatment
May 19, 2020
Each May, healthcare organizations observe Stroke Awareness Month to remind communities about stroke signs and symptoms, and how to prevent and treat stroke. It's an important message every year because although stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, it is preventable and treatable. In 2020, the message takes on an increased concern. In a study published online in May as a Letter to the Editor in the New England Journal of Medicine, researcher Akash Kansagra, MD, notes that the number of people seeking stroke treatment has dropped 39% compared to pre-COIVD-19 pandemic levels...Continue Reading
How to Recognize a Stroke
January 14, 2020
Many medical conditions allow you plenty of warning. Development of type 2 diabetes can occur over the course of decades. The first signs of certain cancers can be observed well before the condition is life-threatening. But in the case of a stroke, every moment counts. While there are many treatments for a stroke, the ones that work the best are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within the first 3 hours of symptoms . That’s why you are encouraged to act FAST during a stroke. It’s not just capitalized for emphasis, it’s a mnemonic device used to help you remember what...Continue Reading
5 Surefire Ways to Avoid Heatstroke
July 18, 2019
Heatstroke is no small medical issue. It requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening. But with the proper precautions, here are five ways you can avoid heat illness this summer. Recognize the Symptoms Heatstroke is the most severe in a series of increasingly severe heat-related conditions that can cause damage to your body. In order to prevent heatstroke, one should first identify the symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion, both of which occur before heat stroke. Heat cramps are the mildest of heat-related conditions. They feel similar to nighttime leg cramps, but...Continue Reading
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