Risk factors, symptoms and a plan to help prevent stroke

Four months ago after returning from my honeymoon, I decided it was past time to work on getting in shape. I had already taken advantage of the gym membership offered through the County, but like many others, I was not consistently “working out.” This enthusiasm lasted a short while. Then came reality.

Two things happened: I had my annual physical (which included lab work), and I read an article regarding stroke symptoms and risk factors. What I discovered was enough to influence the way I am choosing to live.  I have 3 STROKE risk factors that both men and women share AND  2 STROKE risk factors unique to women. TIME FOR ACTION. TIME FOR DELIBERATE CHANGES ACG

A sudden loss of brain function caused by a disturbance in the brain’s blood supply. Stroke is a medical emergency.

 Stroke kills about 134,000 Americans annually  Stroke is the 3 rd leading cause of death in the US  Stroke is a life changing event that affects the victim as well as family members

MEN AND WOMENUNIQUE TO WOMEN  Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg  Difficulty speaking or understanding  Confusion  Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes  Difficulty walking  Dizziness  Loss of balance  Severe headache with no known cause  Facial and limb pain  Nausea  General weakness  Chest pain  Shortness of breath  Palpitations  hiccups

MEN AND WOMENUNIQUE TO WOMEN  Family history of stroke  High blood pressure  High cholesterol levels  Smoking  Diabetes mellitus  Overweight  Lack of exercise  Pregnancy  Oral contraceptive use  Use of hormone replacement therapy  High triglyceride levels  History of migraines  Thick waist

 Hypertension  Diabetes mellitus  Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)  Cigarette smoking  Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat causing poor blood flow to the body)  Obesity  Physical inactivity

 Get moderate physical activity for 30 min most days of the week  Avoid tobacco use

 Eat a diet including plenty of vegetables and fruits. Avoid saturated fats and calorie- dense meals

 Obtain and then maintain a normal body weight

 Reduce stress at home and WORK

Jackson-Stanfield Health Center is looking for 40 people to join us in a challenge to make deliberate lifestyle changes for 8 next weeks. We will begin June 3 rd. Some of you will end July 26 th and others will find that the change is good. Those interested please your preliminary meal plan and well as exercise plan to: We will even have a gift to help you get started.

 Ennen, Kathleeen, PhD, RN, CNE (May 2013). Taking a second look at stroke in women. American Nurse Today. Vol. 8,5  Mayo Clinic fibrillation/DS fibrillation/DS00291  About.com /deskstretches.htm