How To Identify Strokes And Help Prevent Them Happening
Every year, it is estimated that throughout the developed world, nearly 2 million (and rising) people suffer a stroke. Thats one person every fifteen seconds. Of those approximately one in five (400,000) will die following a stroke. Most people affected are over 65, but basically anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies, although strokes are less common in children than adults.
What causes a stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood flow through a persons vascular system is restricted or interrupted thereby reducing the oxygen to a region of the brain. It is the brain equivalent of a heart attack.
The major causes of this are: narrowing, furring, hardening or weakening of blood vessels (arteries); or thickening of the blood; or a blood clot.
The common symptoms of a stroke
numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (signs of this may be a drooping arm, leg or lower eyelid, or a dribbling mouth)
slurred speech or difficulty finding words or understanding speech
sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
confusion or unsteadiness
a severe headache.
Who is most likely to have a stroke
People most likely to have a stroke are people at risk of these conditions, for example, older people and people with certain medical problems, like high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, drinking alcohol, smoking and how active you are can also affect your risk.
Preventing a stroke
It is a fact that some people are more at risk of having a stroke than others. Some factors cant be changed like your genes or your age. However, simple lifestyle changes may prevent a stroke from happening.
Taking steps to change or modify as many of the risk factors as you can will help you lower your risk.
Stop Smoking
Smoking doubles your risk of a stroke because it causes the arteries to fur up (atherosclerosis) and makes the blood more likely to clot. These increase the risk of a stroke.
Drink sensibly
Drinking too much alcohol raises blood pressure. Binge drinking (drinking more than six units in six hours) is particularly dangerous as it can cause blood pressure to soar.
Eat more healthily (here are some simple suggestions)
Snack on fruit and vegetables
Dont fill up on junk food. Instead, eat as much fresh fruit, vegetables and dried fruit as you like.
Choose low-fat proteins
Dont eat too much red meat, choose fish, poultry (with the skin removed), game or vegetarian alternatives instead. Most red meat is high in saturated fat, which contributes to the arteries furring up.
Reduce your salt
Salt raises blood pressure. Dont add salt to your food and avoid processed foods which contain a lot of salt.
Eat more fibre
Foods high in fibre help control blood fat levels. Try wholegrain cereals, porridge, brown rice, wholewheat bread and pasta, and grains such as CousCous.
Limit the amount of fat you eat
You need some fat in your diet, but too much can clog up your arteries and add to weight problems.
Lose weight
Excess weight places a big strain on the various functions of the body and can have a significant affect on the proper functioning of the blood supply system. Dieting and weight loss is crucial to the prevention of a stroke occurring.
Take more exercise
Regular physical activity helps to lower blood pressure, creates a healthy balance of blood fats and improves your bodys ability to handle insulin. Exercise is an excellent aid to losing weight and dieting. Always consult your physician before undertaking any exercise program to make sure you are not over stretching your bodys capabilities.
Finally, the early diagnosis of a stroke and getting urgent medical attention is vital in minimizing the long term effects and in some cases saving a life, so even if you are not totally sure still take steps to seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
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Jacqui Barnett has been active in the diet and weight loss arena for over five years and recognises the great benefits of controlling weight by eating healthily, positive attitude and sensible exercising. If you feel this information could be of benefit in your life and would like further information please visit her blog at www.thewill2live.com