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Drastic Life Change

Uncle John always thought that if he had a stroke, it would probably kill him. "If that's the way I'll go, so be it!" was his motto. What Uncle John did not think about was that a stroke would not kill him, but would lead to the rest of his life lived out in a nursing home, unable to feed himself or walk.

Brain attack, commonly known as stroke, is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U. S. About 700,000 people have a stroke each year, with about 160,000 dying from it. Most people don't realize that a stoke may not kill you, but can change your life drastically! What people also don't realize is that most strokes are preventable.

An important factor for minimizing the damage of a stroke is to recognize the warning signs and taking prompt action. About 10% of brain attacks are preceded by "temporary strokes" (transient ischemic attacks or TIAs.) A TIA has many of the same symptoms of a brain attack but it lasts a relatively short period of time, usually 24 hours of less. TIAs should not be ignored: they may signal a problem that can lead to a disabling or fatal brain attack.

Do you know the warning signs of a stroke? Have you (or someone close to you) ever: Suddenly felt weak in an arm, hand or leg? Lost sensation on one side of your face or body? Suddenly lost vision in one eye? Suddenly have a hard time talking? Not been able to understand what someone was saying? Felt dizzy enough to lose balance? Had the worst headache you've ever had? If you have answered "yes" to any of the above, you may be missing IMPORTANT WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE. You may have some or all of them. They may last just a few minutes to twenty four hours.

Some risk factors for stroke are inherited, some are a function of aging but some are preventable. You can reduce your risk of stroke. Risk factors that cannot be changed are age; heredity; male gender; race; diabetes mellitus (but you can keep it under control); and prior brain attack.

High blood pressure is a primary cause of stroke. You can control this risk factor. You need to measure your blood pressure and treat if it is high. Sometimes, your blood pressure can be normal your whole life, and then it changes. At first you may be skeptical, stating that it has always been fine. But blood pressure can change at any time in your life, especially if you gain weight and as you age. The underlying cause for most high blood pressure is unknown. But it is known that left untreated, you are increasing your chances of a heart attack or stroke. If someone tells you you have high blood pressure, you should take it seriously.

Other lifestyles changes that can reduce the risk of stroke include: Getting medical treatment for heart disease or TIAs; quitting smoking; increasing physical activity; eating a diet to lower blood cholesterol; avoiding excessive alcohol intake; losing weight; taking care of diabetes, and getting checked for circulatory disorders. Respond immediately if someone shows the symptoms of a brain attack. Get medical help right away. Quick immediate intervention results in increased odds for survival or recovery.

For free written information on strokes, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org