FAST - Face, Arms, Speech, Time

Today the news contained a story about Beau Biden being hospitalized for another possible stroke.  His Vice President father we all remember had an embolism.  Thank fully, BB (Beau Biden) recognized his symptoms and sought medical treatment.  While BB is young his father created a higher risk factor and one that obviously was not ignored.

My mother had a slight stroke or a TIA, Transient Ischemic Attack.  TIA’s are strokes that resolve by themselves within a couple of hours.  They can also be indicative of future strokes.  In my mother’s case she was an undiagnosed diabetic.  After a TIA the risk for a future stroke increases dramatically however, a TIA offers a chance for medical treatments to avoid a future stroke or minimize the damage.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut off to the brain.  This lack of blood or oxygen can cause brain damage when the brain cells die resulting in affected speech, cognitive abilities and movements. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability.  Eighty percent of strokes are preventable according to stroke.org. 

The leading causes of stroke that are within our control are:  high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol use, mental health and obesity.  Things not in our control: age: while people of all ages can have a stroke you are more likely the older you are, gender: women suffer more strokes than men, race: African Americans have the highest incidents of stroke, genetics: once one family member has a stroke the risk increases for all family members, a hole in your heart and previous stroke or TIA. 

The most surprising factor for having a stroke is depression.  Middle age women with no other risk factors are two times more likely to have a stroke if they suffer from depression.   Wellness programs that are incorporated with President Obama’s health care reform not only address physical health such as healthy eating, exercise and smoking cessation but also mental health issues.  The mind/body connection has been implicated in our immune system.  Feeling stressed, anxious or depressed can weaken our immune system. 

Practicing healthy eating habits, exercise habits, getting plenty of sleep, stress reduction through exercise and meditation, and learning to express our feelings appropriately can help minimize our stroke factors.  Strong family friendships also reduce stress; as humans we are social beings and need that connection with one another.  Religion is also important in our mental health as it teaches faith, optimism, love and feelings of belonging.

Preventing strokes is very serious.  The work to prevent a stroke is not always easy.  The outcome for you and your loved ones outweighs the hard work like exercising or finding the gumption to quit smoking.  If you are looking for help with healthy habits check with the local hospitals many have programs or they can direct you.  Your healthcare provider can also get you in contact with many programs.   Good Luck to all of us and God Speed, BB.