Strokes: Causes, Symptoms, and Precautions
Strokes have become a force that needs action throughout recent years. With more than 140,000 people die each year from strokes in the United States and crippling, even more, it’s important to start the discussion for a solution. The process for rehabilitation from a stroke is long and hard and today, I would like to share some of the newest advances in stroke recovery.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a “brain attack” that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. This creates deprived brain cells missing oxygen that slowly die. When those brain cells die, the ability for the brain to control that area is lost and only through therapy are they given a chance to recover. The person’s chances of recovery depend on how damaged the brain is. Although some people recover completely from strokes, some survivors (2/3) are left with disabilities. Here are some facts about strokes from http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/what-stroke:
- Each year nearly 800,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke.
- A stroke happens every 40 seconds.
- Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke.
- Up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented.
- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S.
How to Lower Chances of Stroke
There are a few things you can do to lower your chances of catching a stroke. One of those things you can do is lower your blood pressure since high blood pressure is the biggest stroke in both men and women. Losing weight can also lower your chances of catching a stroke and all it takes is 10 pounds! Be sure to drink in moderation to lower your risk, keep it to one drink per day. Atrial fibrillation which is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. Getting it treated can help lower your risk since those with fibrillation have a five times higher risk of catching strokes than normal people. Quitting smoking and treating diabetes can help lower the chances of clots forming inside of you.
What to do if a Stroke Occurs
Know if you’re becoming a victim of a stroke and the signs that come with it. Sudden trouble with vision and slurring of words confusion, inattention, and headaches all are signs of a potential stroke. Call 911 if these symptoms begin to happen and stay calm. When you offer help to someone who might be going through a stroke be sure to take notes of any critical information and deliver it to the hospital. Stay tuned for more updates at a later date of the newest stroke recovery/rehabilitation methods.
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