May is National Stroke Awareness Month

What is a stroke (a.k.a 'brain attack')? A stroke occurs when a blood vessel or vessels carrying oxygen and other nutrients to a specific area of the brain become blocked or suddenly burst, interrupting blood flow to the brain and preventing oxygen from getting to where it's needed. When the oxygen supply is cut off, brain cells begin to die resulting in the impairment or loss of abilities or functions controlled by those cells in the brain.

What are the common symptoms of a stroke?

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• trouble speaking or understanding, sudden confusion
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• a sudden headache of unknown cause

Impact of Stroke in the United States

• Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and a leading cause of chronic adult disability in the United States
• Nearly 780,000 Americans suffer stroke each year, approximately one-quarter of these strokes are recurrent episodes
• There are approximately 5.8 million stroke survivors in the United States; 21.5% of people who survive a first stroke or TIA will experience another episode within 5 years.
• The estimated direct and indirect cost of a stroke for 2008 is $65.5 billion, and includes inpatient care, rehabilitation, follow-up care for lasting disabilities and caregiving.

Risk Factors and Stroke Prevention

• Risk factors for stroke are divided into 2 groups, those that are modifiable to reduce your risk and those that are non-modifiable.
• Modifiable risk factors include: high blood pressure, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
• Non-modifiable risk factors include: age, gender, race, family or personal history of stroke

How do I control my stroke risk?

• See a physician for regular medical checkups to monitor risk factors such as hypertension, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle-stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and reduce stress

If you're serious about controlling your stroke risk join the next 'Kick Start Healthy Habits' Fitness Boot Camp! Register now online at www.habit4health.com/theclasses. Classes start in June and July in both North Liberty and Iowa City!