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STROKE RISK FACTORS...Recognizing a Stroke

SOURCE: American Stroke Foundation

Stroke Risk Factors

Several factors increase your risk of stroke. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chance of having a stroke. Some of these you can’t control, such as your age, your family health history, race and gender. But you can modify, treat or control most risk factors to lower your risk!.

Risks that you cannot control -

Increasing age
Male sex
Race
Family history of stroke

Risks that can be controlled with Medical Treatment & Lifestyle Changes -

High blood pressure
Diabetes
Cigarette smoking
TIA (Aspirin)
High blood cholesterol
Obesity
Heart Disease

Symptoms of Stroke

If you believe you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs do not hesitate to call 911 for immediate treatment!
Suddenly feeling weak in an arm, hand or leg
Cannot feel one side of your face or body
Suddenly cannot see out of one eye
Suddenly have a hard time walking
Cannot understand what someone is saying
Feeling dizzy or losing your balance
Having the worst headache you have ever had

How to Recognize a Stroke
If you think someone is having a stroke, remeber the 60 second test:

1. Ask the individual to smile.

2. Ask him or her to raise both arms.

3. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "It is sunny out today."

IF THE INDIVIDUAL HAS TROUBLE WITH ANY OF THESE TASKS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Effects of Stroke
Motor impairment and loss of sensation often on one side of the body
Difficulty with speech
Limited visual fields and trouble with visual perception
Loss of emotional control and changes in mood
Cognitive deficits
Problems with memory
Problems with judgment
Problems with problem solving
Or a combination of all of these

Reduce your Risk of Stroke
Annual physicals
Healthy diet
Be aware of your family history
Maintain a healthy weight for your body type
Quit smoking
Get regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
Exercise
If diabetic, manage your blood sugar levels
Take your medications accordingly

SOURCE: American Stroke Foundation