Stroke Awareness
Seniors need to be advised of a recent Medical University of South Carolina report, stating approximately seventy-five percent of strokes occur in people over the age of seventy, with stroke possibilities doubling each decade after the age of fifty-five.
Stroke Information
A stroke is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, subsequently damaging brain tissue. Types and side effects of a stroke are unpredictable. Two strokes are the same as strokes are classified into three categories, all of which affect individuals differently:
- Ischemic: A blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. Plaque buildup in any artery could cause a stroke.
- Hemorrhagic: Blood from an artery suddenly begins bleeding into the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”): The blood supply to any region of the brain is briefly blocked. TIAs last only a few minutes and often occur more than once..
Results of a stroke often differ due to which part or side of the brain a stroke occurs. Side effects and impairments could include one or more functions: speech, muscle movement, swallowing, vision, cognitive ability, emotions, or spatial perception.
Signs of a stroke should never be ignored. The American Stroke Association offers a simple acronym for all to learn and memorize: FAST.
F: Face Drooping. Is the person’s smile lop-sided?
A: Arm Weakness. Is the person unable to raise their arms evenly?
S: Speech Difficulty… garbled or unintelligible speech.
T: Time to call 911.
Prevent stroke risks by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Adhere to a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid both smoking and overconsumption of alcohol. Schedule annual medical physicals and pay close attention to blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The American Heart Association’s Webpage offers a “ CV Risk Calculator” for anyone wanting to calculate personal risk. Have the latest blood pressure and lipid results nearby when determining outcomes.
Bridge to Better Living assists all Seniors, regardless of medical conditions. We want Seniors and loved ones to enjoy Quality of Life. Bridge to Better Living will assist in finding the most appropriate community for your wants and needs…at no cost to you, the client. Contact Bridge to Better Living today. YOU are important!