
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, potentially causing brain damage. Early detection of symptoms can save lives.
These initial symptoms raise an eyebrow:
Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
Eyes: Blurred, double vision, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb; ask the person to smile.
Arm Weakness: One arm feels weak or numb; ask them to raise both arms—does one drift downward?
Speech Difficulty: Slurred, confused, or difficult speech; ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
Prevention:
Preventing a stroke involves managing risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Here’s how:
- Control High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Keep blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg if possible.
• Reduce salt intake and avoid processed foods.
• Exercise regularly and manage stress.
• Take prescribed medications if needed.
- Maintain Healthy
• Blood Sugar Levels: If diabetic, monitor blood sugar levels and take medication as prescribed.
• Eat a balanced diet with low sugar and high fiber.
Exercise regularly to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Manage Cholesterol Levels
• Eat heart-healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins).
• Avoid trans fats and processed foods.
• Take cholesterol-lowering medication if prescribed.
- Quit Smoking & Avoid Secondhand Smoke
• Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clot formation.
• Seek professional help or use nicotine replacement therapy if needed.
- Exercise Regularly
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) 5 days a week.
Strength training can also help maintain a healthy heart.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
• Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Reduce saturated fats, processed foods, and excessive salt.
• Use healthy fats like olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Obesity increases stroke risk, so aim for a healthy BMI.
• Reduce calorie intake and avoid sugary drinks.
- Limit Alcohol Intake
Excess alcohol raises blood pressure and stroke risk.
• Stick to one drink per day (women) or two drinks per day (men) at most.
• Manage Stress & Sleep Well
• Practice relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing, yoga).
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Avoid chronic stress and find healthy coping mechanisms.
9. Regular Medical Check-ups
• Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly.
• If you have atrial fibrillation (AFib), seek treatment to prevent clots.
How To Assist Stroke Patients In Their Immediate Recovery (Emergency Response)
• Lay the Person Down – Keep their head slightly elevated.
• Ensure Open Airway – Remove any obstructions and check for breathing.
• Do NOT Give Food or Drink – They may have trouble swallowing.
• Monitor Symptoms – If they stop breathing, begin CPR if trained.
• Record the Time of Symptoms – Doctors need to know when symptoms started to determine treatment (such as clot-busting medication like tPA, which is effective within 3-4.5 hours of onset).
Stroke Is Killing Dozens Of People – Read About What To Do When You’re Attacked