1. Risk factors, symptoms and a plan to help prevent stroke

2. 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.

3. 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

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

6.  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

7. 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

8. 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

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

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

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

12.  Obtain and then maintain a normal body weight

13.  Reduce stress at home and WORK

14. 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 email your preliminary meal plan and well as exercise plan to: arlena.guzy@dallascounty.org We will even have a gift to help you get started.

15.  Ennen, Kathleeen, PhD, RN, CNE (May 2013). Taking a second look at stroke in women. American Nurse Today. Vol. 8,5  Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/atrial- fibrillation/DS00291 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/atrial- fibrillation/DS00291  About.com http://yoga.about.com/od/yogasequences/tp /deskstretches.htm