Loading ...Stroke: The Unnecessary Killer
Jesse eased her minivan to a stop at the intersection, and waited for the light to turn green. Her three-year old daughter was sitting in her car seat, humming to herself. Jesse, mother of two, was on the way to pick her son up from elementary school. It was about 3:00 pm on a bright Tuesday afternoon in May.
What happened next is vague in Jesse’s memory. She remembers feeling disoriented and weak. Even though she had diabetes, she knew that her discomfort wasn’t due to a low blood sugar. She remembers the sound of car horns honking behind her. She recalls feeling a vague sense of paralyzing fear. It was a feeling—strange and disconcerting—that Jesse had never felt before.
By the time her sense of confusion had passed, she was still sitting at the stoplight. It was green. Cars were rushing past her. Most were honking their horns. Half of Jesse’s body felt numb, and she could hardly open her mouth.
It wasn’t until later that Jesse learned that she had experienced a stroke. Jesse’s situation is not unusual. Each year, 800,000 Americans have this experience. Strokes are one of the primary reasons for adult disability. The grim reality is that they are the third leading cause of death. And, what is truly gripping is this fact is that most strokes—80% of them—are preventable. For that reason, the stroke is America’s unnecessary killer. Since May is Stroke Awareness Month, this article is devoted to the topic of prevention.
What is a stroke?
Knowing how to prevent a stroke begins with an understanding what it is. Those who understand how to prevent a stroke have a firm understanding of the symptoms, the causes, and therefore the preventatives.
A stroke occurs when the flow of blood to the brain is blocked. When blood flow is interrupted, brain cells die. A stroke usually occurs because of a blocked artery in or around the brain.
Strokes can vary in their severity. A small stroke may come and go without the victim experiencing anything more than weakness in an appendage. Major strokes, which are more than half, can cause permanent paralysis or mental inability. And most seriously, strokes can kill.
Who is at risk for a stroke?
Knowing how to prevent a stroke also involves an understanding of who is at risk.
- People with diabetes. Regardless of the other risk factors, those who have diabetes are at an increased risk for stroke—two and a half times higher according to some sources. In addition, people with diabetes are more likely to have harmful long-term effects from the stroke.
- People who are older. Although a stroke can come at any age, people over 55 years are more likely to experience a stroke.
- People who are obese. Along with the other health risks, being obese puts individuals at a remarkably higher risk of having a stroke. People who are overweight often have higher blood pressure and higher cholesterol, both of which are major contributors to the occurrence of a stroke.
- People who smoke. Harmful habits such as smoking vastly increase the likelihood of stroke. Cocaine and amphetamine abuse is also a risk factor.
- People who have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.
How do you know if you are having a stroke?
Although the goal of this article is to inform you of how to prevent a stroke, it is also important to know if you are experiencing it. Here are four telltale signs:
- Weakness. Usually, the weakness occurs on one side of the body. It may affect an arm, a leg, or the face.
- Numbness. Numbness and weakness often go together and affect the same area of the body.
- Confusion and dizziness. Suddenly experiencing difficulty in balancing, a lack of coordination, or the inability to stand up straight, could also be a sign of a stroke.
- Severe headache. Nearly everyone experiences a headache from time to time. However, experiencing a sudden sharp headache for no apparent reason is a possible indicator of a stroke.
How to Prevent a Stroke
Finally, how to prevent a stroke. Since 80% of strokes are preventable, knowing its prevention can save lives.
- For those who have diabetes, the same practices that are used to manage one’s diabetes are the same factors that can help prevent a stroke. Check and maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Keep up with your regular medication. Additionally, implement a regular exercise program.
- Kick bad habits. Smoking contributes to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and raises blood pressure. Both of these are major ingredients for a stroke.
- Get up and work out. The health benefits of regular exercise are innumerable. One benefit is that exercise is a major stroke preventative. The number one tip for how to prevent a stroke is simple: exercise. Since obesity is a leading contributor to strokes, obese persons should aim for an ideal weight range. Even those who are not overweight should implement a regular workout routine.
- Eat right. How to prevent a stroke involves learning how to eat right. A proper diet, like regular exercise, has plenty of benefits. Besides avoiding greasy foods, salty foods, and fatty foods, you should load up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Most likely, you know someone who has suffered the devastating results of a stroke. Whether death, disability, or mental impairment, the tragedy of a stroke can affect anyone. An even greater tragedy is that basic health principles can prevent tens of thousands of strokes every year. This May, implement healthy practices in your own life, and tell friends and loved ones how to prevent a stroke, too.
By: Daniel Threlfall
