One More Reason to Act Fast – Assess Your Stroke Risk

Source: scai.org

Source: scai.org

A few weeks ago my husbands 79 year old uncle had a stroke. Thankfully they caught it in enough time that his mobility is still good and only is facial muscles and speech have been mildly affected. It got me thinking about what are the signs of stroke and risk factors. While visiting one of my favorite health websites, Every Day Health, I came across this article about a set of 26 year old twins who had strokes only a few months apart. They looked healthy enough but their age caught my attention. Reading the risk factors solidified my resolve to continue exercising and doing what I can to reduce my weight. Obesity and lack of physical activity are risk factors for stroke. With 2 small children to raise I need to stay healthy as long as humanly possible.  Have you assessed your stroke risk?

A story this week about  26-year-old twins who had a stroke only a few months apart  from each other may seem like an oddity to you.  While it’s true that stroke is more common in older adults, young people have strokes as well. Most people don’t realize that stroke is the #4 cause of death in the United States.  A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients. This can be due to a blocked blood vessel supplying the brain….The American Heart Association estimates that there are 3.8 million women survivors of stroke alive today. In honor of Stroke Awareness Month in May, let’s remember some truths and mistruths about stroke. Truth #1 – Stroke can happen at any age The story of the 26-year-old sisters who both had strokes is dramatic, but stroke is not that unusual in young people. The causes of stroke are usually different when they occur in younger compared to older people, but stroke can happen at any age. One of the twins apparently had atrial fibrillation, which is a big risk factor for stroke. Truth #2 – You can reduce the risk of having a stroke Overall, the most common risk factors for having a stroke are listed below. Many of these are factors that you have the power to change. […]

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