Welness - Thoughts

Diabetes

Stroke Awareness

What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a "brain attack," it occurs when an artery bringing blood to the brain becomes clogged or ruptures, depriving a part of the brain the oxygen it needs. As a result, that part of the brain starts to die.

TIA's
About 10 percent of strokes are preceded by "temporary strokes" (transient ischemic attacks TIA's) These can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. They result when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery. The symptoms occur rapidly and are temporary, lasting from a few minutes to several hours. People who have had TIA's are 10 times more likely to have a stroke

Warning Signs

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye.
Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding speech.
Sudden, severe headaches with no apparent cause.
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or unexplained falls, especially along with the previous symptoms

Risk Factors that cannot be changed:

Old age. the older a person gets, the greater the risk of stroke
Men are more likely to suffer strokes
African-American have a greater risk of stroke
People with diabetes, sickle cell anemia or who have had a prior stroke are at risk.

Treatable Risk Factors:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
TIA's

Life Style Changes:
These factors increase the risk of stroke, but can be controlled by lifestyle changes:

Elevated cholesterol levels
Cigarette smoking
Excessive alcohol intake
Obesity

How the Body Heals
When ever the blood supply is cut off from one part of the body, the body tries to restore circulation itself. Small neighboring blood vessels get larger and assume the work of the damaged ones. The part of the body affected by the stroke may eventually improve with the additional help of rehabilitation treatment

For more information call National Stroke Association (1-800-STROKES) or visit www.americanheart.org the American Heart Association.

Maintain a desirable weight.

People who are over-weight are at a higher risk for several health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Weight gain and weight loss depend on two things: the number of calories consumed each day and the number of calories used in activity each day. One plan to begin losing weight is simply this: Do not eat all the food on your plate, walk more. Next Sunday park your car out by the Picnic Pavilion. The extra walk will be good for your health.

Gifts that don't cost a cent

The Gift of Listening: But you must really listen. No interrupting, no day-dreaming, no planning your response. Just listen.
The Gift of Laughter: Clip cartoons. Share great articles and funny stories. Your gift will say "I love to laugh with you."
The Gift of a Compliment: A simple and sincere, "You look great in that color," or "You did a super job" can make someone's day.
The Gift of Solitude: There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

Remember to mention any changes you have noticed when visiting your doctor of optometry. You should also tell your optometrist about any prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking and about any general health problems you are experiencing. Visit your doctor annually.