There are thousands of people each year that suffer or die from strokes. In fact, many strokes are considered predecessors to cardiac arrest – but can even occur after a heart attack. In recent years, the number of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) has more than tripled across the world. TIAs are considered predecessors to full or partial strokes but are treatable if caught on time. Strokes and TIA, of course, are synonymous with temporary stiffness and paralysis, along with slurred speech and drooping on the right or left side of the face. Most sufferers are immediately taken to local ER rooms for treatment – but there are many ways to prevent a stroke altogether. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Lowering blood pressure – avoiding foods with excess salt, sugar, or saturated fats.
  • Losing weight – obesity is one of the main causes of TIAs, strokes and heart failure. As a result, you must eat right and get plenty of exercise and sleep.
  • Avoid alcohol – you should try to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you must drink – you should moderate yourself and try limiting consumption to two drinks only.
  • Diabetes – you must take care of yourself if diabetic. This includes eating a well-balanced diet, along with keeping insulin and other essentials close at hand.
  • Atrial Fibrillation – if you suffer from Atrial Fibrillation, it is imperative to get treatment to avoid cardiac arrest, strokes and blood clots. Atrial Fibrillation is a cardiac disorder that causes irregular heartbeats, arrhythmia and excess fatigue.

If you need help making these changes to prevent a stroke from happening, our caregivers have experience and can help you.

Preventing Strokes – The Essential Facts

According to medical and healthcare experts, 80% of strokes can be prevented by simply making a number of lifestyle changes. This includes eating right, along with keeping the body well-hydrated and getting plenty of exercise and sufficient rest. If you are struggling with obesity, do not wait until irreparable harm or damage has occurred. Simply speak to your primary care physician – or a local nutritionist – about safe and healthy weight loss management plans. When it comes to stroke prevention, there are three essential steps to help prevent future medical problems and health issues. These include:

  • Identifying the risks – review the risk factors that are mentioned – and identity any and all personal risks.
  • Reduce your risk factors – once you have identified the risk factors – you must work to reduce your chances of stroke with essential lifestyle changes and/or necessary medication. Your physician will determine which medicines you should take for optimal and maximum stroke prevention.
  • Recognize the symptoms and respond – when dealing with strokes, time is purely of the essence. You must familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of a stroke (slurred speech, paralysis, drooping face and body, etc.) You then need to ACT FAST and contact local emergency personnel or family members to come to your aid ASAP. Most damages from stroke –including Bell’s palsy – can be prevented if you understand the symptoms and act in accordance.

Strokes can cause temporary or permanent paralysis if not treated in a timely and effective manner. In the worse case scenarios, strokes can lead to cardiac arrest and even death. For more information on preventing strokes and leading a healthier lifestyle, talk to your doctor today and get the help and treatment you deserve.