Stroke Association of Southern California Stroke Prevention Stroke Prevention A Guide for Caregivers

Stroke Association of Southern California PART I: Stroke Basics PART II: Preventing Recurrent Strokes PART III: Prevention is for Caregivers, Too

Stroke Association of Southern California Part I: Stroke Basics

Stroke Association of Southern California People who have had one stroke are, in most cases, at an increased risk for recurrent strokes The stroke rate in the U.S. -- after declining for decades -- appears to be on the rise again The Not-So-Good News

Stroke Association of Southern California The Good News Experts say that over 70% of strokes could be prevented There are simple steps that you and your family can take to lower the risks for stroke

Stroke Association of Southern California What Is A Stroke? A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or diminished. There are two basic types of stroke: Ischemic - A blockage in a blood vessel Hemorrhagic - A “bleed”

Stroke Association of Southern California What Causes A Stroke? Ischemic Hypertension (High blood pressure) Atherosclerosis (Build- up of fat deposits in artery) Heart and/or blood conditions that contribute to clotting Hemorrhagic Aneurysm (A bulging on the outer wall of an artery that bursts) AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation (A “tangle” of small blood vessels in the brain)

Stroke Association of Southern California Atherosclerosis

Stroke Association of Southern California Aneurysm

Stroke Association of Southern California AVM - Arteriovenous Malformation

Stroke Association of Southern California Part II: Preventing Recurrent Strokes

Stroke Association of Southern California Preventing Recurrent Strokes 1.Work with your Physician 2.Use Medications as Prescribed 3.Follow a Healthy Diet 4.Exercise Regularly 5.Quit Smoking 6.Manage Your Weight and Stress 7.Know the Warning Signs of Stroke

Stroke Association of Southern California 1. Work With Your Physician Medication management is extremely important for stroke prevention Proper treatment of related conditions (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, etc.) helps prevent stroke Surgery can sometimes lower risk

Stroke Association of Southern California Antiplatelets a. Aspirin -- cheap & effective b. Ticlid c. Plavix Anticoagulants a. Warfarin b. Heparin 2. Medications

Stroke Association of Southern California 2. Medications (continued) Cholesterol Lowering Agents a. Statins b. Natural Substances Antidiabetic Agents a. Insulin b. Oral Hypoglycemic drugs c. Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors d. Thiazolidinediones

Stroke Association of Southern California 2. Medications (continued) Antihypertensives a.Diuretics b.Angiotensin System Antagonists c.Calcium Channel Blockers d.Sympatholytics e.Beta Blockers f.Vasodilators

Stroke Association of Southern California 3. Diet The most stroke resistant diet: Low Fat (particularly in saturated fat) Low Sodium High Intake of Fruits and Vegetables (5-6 servings daily)

Stroke Association of Southern California 3. Diet 3. Diet (continued) High in Omega 3 fats Smaller Portions (4 oz. or less) of Meats High Fiber Intake

Stroke Association of Southern California 4. Exercise Benefits Helps control blood pressure Helps relieve stress Helps body “burn” fats and lower obesity risk Reduces risk of cardio- vascular disease [Stroke survivors should consult doctor before beginning program]

Stroke Association of Southern California 4. Exercise 4. Exercise (continued) Other Benefits for Stroke Survivors Promotes rehabilitation Lessens depression Raises energy level Lessens risk of falling

5. Quit Smoking The health costs of smoking: Contributes to atherosclerosis Raises blood pressure Reduces oxygen supply to the brain Makes blood thicker and more likely to clot Raises risks for stroke, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and emphysema

6. Manage Weight & Stress Recent studies have proved that “extra weight” means extra stroke risk. Trim pounds and risk at the same time! Unrelieved stress is hard on all the body systems. By practicing stress reduction techniques, you help prevent many diseases.

7. Know the Stroke Warning Signs 7. Know the Stroke Warning Signs! Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body Loss of speech, trouble talking or trouble understanding speech Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Stroke Association of Southern California Part III: Stroke Prevention for Caregivers

Stroke Association of Southern California Stroke Prevention for Caregivers These same rules apply for everyone! 1.Get regular checkups 2.Work with your physician to treat any conditions that increase stroke risk 3.Eat a healthy stroke-resistant diet 4.Exercise regularly 5.If you smoke, stop 6.Practice stress reduction techniques 7.Allow time for yourself to see friends & enjoy life!

Stroke Prevention for Caregivers Unrelieved stress damages health Depression is a stroke risk factor If you don’t take good care of yourself, you can’t take good care of others Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of wisdom!

Where To Go For Help The Stroke Association of Southern California has a telephone HelpLine that can help you find the resources your family needs for “living with stroke”. Call (310) The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center provides many services for family caregivers, and is the lead agency for EduCare, a consortium of over 20 agencies helping caregivers. (800) / (213)

This Presentation was made possible with funding from the Los Angeles County Area Agency on Aging.