Avoiding Stroke

Sometimes called a "brain attack," a stroke is an interruption of the necessary blood supply to the brain. This is due to an artery that bursts or is blocked. If you want to decreases your risk of stroke, you should consider making lifestyle changes now.



Lifestyle Changes to Decrease Risk of Stroke



Your lifestyle plays a big part in your risk for stroke. Start making changes today to help decrease your risk, such as:



• Stop smoking to reduce the addition of plaque buildup in your arteries.

• Eat a healthy diet of low saturated fat, low cholesterol foods to help reduce fat and cholesterol buildup in your arteries.

• Avoid sugar to help reduce your risk of diabetes, a disease that increases your chance of stroke.

• Exercise regularly to keep your cholesterol, blood pressure, stress level and weight under control.

• Schedule regular checkups with your family practice physician so that you can be properly evaluated and treated for atrial fibrillation, heart disease, and other disease factors that raise your chances of stroke.



The more of these lifestyle changes you make the more your risk for stroke decreases.



Symptoms of Stroke



Stroke symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected. Some people may not even be aware a stroke has occurred. You should, however, pay attention to the following signs:



• Severe headache that can occur while lying flat or worsens when you change positions, crouch or cough.

• Changes in hearing, taste or vision.

• Clumsiness, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.

• Difficulty walking, speaking, reading, writing, or swallowing.

• Muscle weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

• Confusion or trouble understanding what others are saying.

• Sensation changes that affect touch or your response to stimuli.

• Changes in mood, personality or emotion.

• Bladder or bowel incontinence.



If you have any of these signs, you should seek medical attention immediately so you can be quickly evaluated and treated. Timing is critical in a stroke situation.



However, the best thing to do right now is to take care of yourself so that you can avoid a stroke. Start today on your path to healthful living!







Since 1972, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center has provided more than just acute hospital care. Evergreen has also provided wellness initiatives designed to promote healthier lifestyles. Evergreen Hospital is fully accredited by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. It was also named as a Distinguished Hospital for Clinical Excellence for 2011 by HealthGrades. Visit us today to learn more about our Seattle area medical services, surgical services and health classes.