For Your Health: Movement mitigates stroke risk, aids recovery

 But your incompetent? doctor HAS NO PROTOCOLS FOR RECOVERY! So, you can do exercise. Why hasn't your doctor, therapists and board of directors been fired yet?

For Your Health: Movement mitigates stroke risk, aids recovery

One in four people is at risk of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with approximately 1 million strokes occurring each year.

While stroke affects everyone, there is an ongoing need to incorporate stroke prevention in men’s health efforts, especially during Men’s Health Month this June.

To explore this further, we spoke with Deven Mistry, M.D., a neurologist at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville, about the risk of stroke in everyone, with a particular focus on men, and how getting the recommended amount of exercise each week can reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Q: How common is a stroke and when can it happen?

Stroke can happen at any age, but the risk increases with age. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Men are at a slightly higher risk for stroke than women.

Q: What are the signs of a stroke?

It’s important to recognize the signs of a stroke so treatment can begin quickly to reduce the chances of long-term disability. A good way to remember the signs is BEFAST, which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance and coordination

• Eyes: Sudden changes in vision

• Face: Drooping on one or both sides of the face

• Arms: Weakness in the arms or legs

• Speech: Slurring or changes in speech

• Time: Call 911 right away

Q: What are the key risk factors?

Key risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol intake and lack of physical activity.

Q: What role does exercise play in preventing strokes?

Exercise helps to reduce stroke risk by improving blood sugar control and helping to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also helps with improving mental health and sleep.

Q: How much exercise is recommended?

The general recommendation is to engage in moderate to vigorous exercise for about 150 minutes per week. Exercising just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk by almost 25%. Those who cannot exercise should still try to remain active by taking the stairs, walking instead of driving or doing household chores. The most important thing is to move your body.

Q: If someone does have a stroke, how can exercise help in recovery?

Rehabilitation, which can include exercise or other physical activity, depends on how stroke has affected a person’s body and mind. Post-stroke exercise can help improve mobility and strength, boost emotional health and reduce future risk of stroke. The main goal is to avoid being sedentary. Survivors should speak with their health care professionals about how much exercise is appropriate and potentially work with an occupational or physical therapist.(What a fucking useless statement if you can't refer TO EXACT PROTOCOLS!)

Q: What are your final thoughts on stroke prevention?

Stroke can be devastating, but all of us can reduce our risk by focusing on our health and well-being by exercising, eating healthy, taking medications consistently as prescribed and working with your doctor.