http://www.maryvilledailyforum.com/features/article_f2a45f70-2441-11e6-b6d5-df112b38dd2b.html
May marks Stroke Awareness Month, and according to
the American Heart Association, stroke is the nation’s fifth most common
killer and a leading cause of long-term disability. On average, someone
in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every four minutes,
someone dies because of one.
Dr. Terry Symonds,
emergency services medical director, and Kara Couts, RN, at SSM Health
St. Francis Hospital recently collaborated on a news release to educate
Nodaway County residents about risk, prevention, and treatment of
strokes.
In their release, they define the
incident as “when blood, which carries oxygen, fails to reach part of
the brain due to either a clot or a burst vessel.”
The release goes on to say, “Without oxygen, brain
tissue begins to die. The extensiveness and location of a stroke
determine the lasting effects of a stroke. Some people can recover
completely from a stroke, while others can suffer paralysis of one side
of their body, loss of speech and even death.”
The
incidence of stroke is only expected to increase, with a frequently
cited study predicting that ischemic strokes, which are the most common
types, will double between 2000 and 2032.
According
to the press release from SSM Health St. Francis Hospital, despite the
prevalence and potential lasting effects of strokes, many don’t take it
serious enough or know the warning signs.
Although
some strokes occur for no apparent reason, medical professionals
encourage people who might be at risk to take preventive measures.
Current
smokers have two to four times an increased risk of stroke, compared to
nonsmokers or those who have been smoke-free for 10 years. Those with
high cholesterol, diabetes, and circulation problems are also at risk
for stroke.
Reducing the likelihood of stroke
calls for healthy living. In addition to smoking cessation, health
professionals recommend maintaining a low body mass index, exercising
regularly, and moderating alcohol consumption.
Moderate
alcohol consumption, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, means up to one drink per day for women and two for men.
Reports
indicate that physical activity is associated with 35 percent reduction
in ischemic stroke. The National Stroke Association reports that
one-fourth of strokes are recurrent events, so it’s especially important
to address lifestyle changes after having a stroke.
Even
if a person cannot prevent having a stroke, having a healthy lifestyle
before the event can contribute to more favorable results during
recovery time.
Stroke also lands in the top 10 causes of
death in children, most frequently occurring in their first year of
life. Pediatric strokes happen in about 1 in 4,000 live births. For
children, the risk factors differ from those for adults. Maternal
history of infertility, infection in the amniotic fluid during
pregnancy, and high blood pressure in the mother while pregnant can
increase risk.
To recognize and quickly respond to
stroke, Couts and Symonds recommended using FAST, an acronym to help
people identify and respond to signs of stroke.
F – Face drooping
A – Arm Weakness
S – Speech Difficulty
T – Time to call 911
The faster people can recognize symptoms of a stroke, the faster they can seek treatment from qualified professionals.
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