Stroke
Stroke is the third common reason of death in the United States. Stroke occurs either through a blockage or bursting of a blood vessel in the brain. When blood cannot normally flow into and feed any section of the brain, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The body functions controlled by that region of the brain also fail, which can be seen as the signs of stroke.
Who is at Risk for Having a Stroke?
Aging, family history of stroke, and having a previous stroke or a heart attack are all risk factors for stroke. Stroke is more common among men than women but it is deadlier for women. There are many preventable stroke risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, cigarette smoking, heart disease, and sickle cell anemia. Physical inactivity, obesity, and poor diets (high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and/or calories, low in fruits and vegetables) also increase the chances of having a stroke.
Learn the Signs of Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, arm, leg, or face
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, trouble speaking, understanding, seeing, coordination, and/or walking
- Sudden headache without any known reason
- Any one of these signs may mean a stroke even if it goes away; get medical help immediately.
Things You Can Do Now
- Eating a healthy diet is one of the most important ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Fill two-thirds or more of your plate with fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, and whole grains (like bread or pasta made with whole wheat, or cereals made with lots of whole grains)
- Choose fat-free and low-fat dairy products instead of higher fat versions.
- Decrease the amount of cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fats in your diet
- Cholesterol and saturated fats mostly come from animal products like meat, poultry and dairy. Trans fats are mostly found in hard margarines and baked (pastry) products
- Choose grilling, steaming, boiling, and barbecuing rather than frying to keep your fat intake in control
- Make vegetable oils, fish and nuts the main sources of fats in your diet.
- Lower your salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium. People who have high blood pressure, African Americans, and middle-aged or older individuals should eat even less sodium (about no more than 1,500 milligrams)
- Read the food label information to find out about the ingredients, nutrients, and calories foods have.
- Be physically active. In general, 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week is recommended for healthy adults. You may need longer if you are trying to lose weight or to keep it off.
- Before stating to exercise, always check with your doctor first. Start out slowly especially if you have been inactive in recent months, have a known cardiovascular disease, or if you are above 40 years of age. For example, start with 10 minutes of daily walk and then, make small increases every week.
- Maintain a healthy weight, aim for a body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9.
- If you consume alcohol at all, drink only moderate amounts (2 drinks daily for men, 1 drink daily for non-pregnant women. Note: one drink equals 12 ounces of regular beer, a glass (5 ounces) of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor (rum, vodka, whiskey, etc.).
For More Information
General Information - American Sroke Association
