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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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May 19, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Act F.A.S.T. to Prevent Drastic Life Change
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
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 might not kill him, but would lead to the rest of his
life lived out in a nursing home, unable to feed himself or walk.
Stroke, is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.
S. Most people don't realize that a stroke 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
stokes are preceded by “temporary strokes” (transient ischemic attacks
or TIAs.) A TIA has many of the same symptoms of a stroke but is 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 stroke.
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. These symptoms may occur as a
single symptom or you can have more than one. They may last just a few
minutes to twenty four hours. The most important thing to do is to GET
IMMEDIATE HELP. Ignoring these symptoms can have drastic results.
Act F.A.S.T. to minimize brain cell death! The Massachusetts Department
of Public Health has created a simple guide to assess someone who may be
having a stroke.
F stands for face : Does the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile.
A stands for arm: Does one arm drift down? Ask the person to raise both
arms. S stands for speech . Does their speech sound strange? Ask them to
repeat a phrase. T stands for Time . With every second that passes,
brain cells die. Call 911 at any sign of a stroke. Don't wait to get
help.
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 stroke.
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 that 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 stroke. Get medical help
right away. Quick immediate intervention results in increased odds for
survival or recovery. For free written information on strokes, District
residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request via email,
info@qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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