Senior Care near Plainview, NY – Preventing Stroke – What Everybody Should Know!
Stroke is one of the most dangerous yet most preventable serious health concern many seniors face. If people were more acquainted with the risks of stroke, preventive measures could be taken to significantly reduce the risks. There are common warning signs a stroke is imminent. When these warning signs are heeded and treatment is put in place immediately, recovery is much more successful.
These facts about stroke may surprise you:
- 85% of people survive a major stroke. About half remain disabled as a result.
- Half or more of first strokes are preventable
- 80-90% of subsequent strokes are preventable
- A stroke is like a heart attack; only it affects the brain instead of the heart
- When brain cells die, brain functions are lost or diminished. This may affect speech, movement and memory.
These are the main risk factors for stroke:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Poor diet
- High cholesterol levels
- Excess alcohol consumption
- High waist/hip ratio
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Depression
- Heart problems
The National Stroke Association has devised a simple way to remember key warning signs of oncoming stroke. The acronym is “FAST” and here’s what it stands for:
F = Face. Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face droopy?
A=Arms. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downwards?
S = Speech. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase after you. Is their speech odd or slurred?
T = Time. Act fast because it gives the person a better chance of recovery. Call 911 if you notice any of these signs, even if you’re not completely sure.
These signs aren’t a fail-safe. However, they will help people identify most strokes. Unlike heart attacks, strokes have the same warning signs for both men and women.
Stroke prevention strategies:
- Change your diet. Base your diet on the Mediterranean diet. This includes beneficial oils like extra virgin olive oil, fish, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils and a very low consumption of meat.
- Participate in regular exercise.
- Control your blood pressure.
- Quit smoking.
Strokes are very preventable. Most people would never have to experience this serious health threat if they took more preventive measures which are mostly made up of healthy living strategies.
For your elderly loved one who needs some help at home to cook healthy meals on a daily basis, consider hiring senior home services. Having a caregiver to help your parent make a nutritious meal and encouragement to exercise daily are two very important steps in stroke prevention and overall good health.
If you or an aging loved one are in need of elderly care services near Plainview, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
Providing Services to Floral Park, Great Neck, Manhasset, Rockville Center, Plainview, Huntington, Massapequa, Dix Hills, Northport, and Stonybrook
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