National Stroke Awareness Month
The month of May is Stroke Awareness Month.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and one in six Americans will have a stroke in their lifetime. Part of National Stroke Awareness Month is educating people about the warning signs of a stroke and how to live with the physical and psychological effects of the condition.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and one in six Americans will have a stroke in their lifetime. Part of National Stroke Awareness Month is educating people about the warning signs of a stroke and how to live with the physical and psychological effects of the condition.
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke. One in four strokes are in someone who has previously had a stroke. Eighty percent (80%) of strokes are preventable with lifestyle changes.
These are just a few statistics from The Stroke Foundation.
For information such as
1) warning signs,
2) risk factors,
3) types of strokes,
4) prevention,
and much more, please visit https://thestrokefoundation.org
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical event during which blood supply is reduced or blocked in the brain. Each section of your brain is responsible for a different body function. Without proper blood flow, the affected areas will begin to shut down and sustain long-term neurological damage. The effects of a stroke depend on what side of your brain is damaged and the severity of the episode.
Strokes can occur in one or more of the following centers of the brain:
Right brain stroke: Strokes that damage the right side of your brain affect the left side of your body, which may include paralysis. You may also experience memory loss or dementia, visions problems and behavior changes.
Left brain stroke: A left brain stroke will impact the function of the right side of your body. You may experience right-sided paralysis, problems with speech and language, memory loss or dementia and slowed behavior.
Brain stem stroke: A stroke in your brain stem can affect both sides of your body, depending on its severity. The brain stem controls consciousness, motor function and breathing. Some people experience a “locked-in” state, which involves complete paralysis below the neck and speech impairment.
Warning Signs of a Stroke
When it comes to watching out for the signs of a stroke, it’s important to BE FAST.
The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more dangerous it becomes. Around 1.9 million brain cells die per minute during a stroke, so seeking immediate medical attention will increase your chance of survival and lower your risk of long-term disability.
Living with the Effects of a Stroke
A stroke can cause:
Accepting the behavioral and physical changes caused by a stroke can be frightening. However, it’s important to rely on your medical team to answer questions and provide physical and emotional support. You’ll undergo function tests to assess the extent of the stroke’s impact and may begin physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Your care needs might require you to live in a senior care facility during stroke recovery, or you may be able to recover at home.
Setting wellness goals with your therapy team will motivate you and help you track your recovery progress.
Taking Care of Someone Recovering from a Stroke
If you decide to care for a loved one who’s suffered a stroke, you’ll face new responsibilities. They may have difficulties communicating, caring for themselves and completing daily tasks. Consult their team of specialists to understand their physical and mental capabilities, so you can plan your care accordingly.
You may experience a sense of grief after someone you love suffers a stroke, especially if they experience a change in their personality. It’s essential to address your feelings and emotional needs, so you can heal and promote a good quality of life for yourself and your loved one.
About Salus Home Care
Do you have an aging loved one who might benefit from some additional social time or support?
Salus Home Care can help.
We are locally based in Biloxi, Mississippi, with clients all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our mission is to help provide seniors with a higher quality of life, while also offering respite and peace of mind for those family caregivers who might need some support.
Our companions can assist with activities of daily living, help with housekeeping, provide driving services, and do so much more. We offer personalized care plans designed to help you and your family shoulder some responsibility of caring for the senior in your life, during the holidays and all year long.
Have any more questions? Ready to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you! To reach out, give us a call at 228-207-2515, or fill out our online contact form, available here.
These are just a few statistics from The Stroke Foundation.
For information such as
1) warning signs,
2) risk factors,
3) types of strokes,
4) prevention,
and much more, please visit https://thestrokefoundation.org
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical event during which blood supply is reduced or blocked in the brain. Each section of your brain is responsible for a different body function. Without proper blood flow, the affected areas will begin to shut down and sustain long-term neurological damage. The effects of a stroke depend on what side of your brain is damaged and the severity of the episode.
Strokes can occur in one or more of the following centers of the brain:
Right brain stroke: Strokes that damage the right side of your brain affect the left side of your body, which may include paralysis. You may also experience memory loss or dementia, visions problems and behavior changes.
Left brain stroke: A left brain stroke will impact the function of the right side of your body. You may experience right-sided paralysis, problems with speech and language, memory loss or dementia and slowed behavior.
Brain stem stroke: A stroke in your brain stem can affect both sides of your body, depending on its severity. The brain stem controls consciousness, motor function and breathing. Some people experience a “locked-in” state, which involves complete paralysis below the neck and speech impairment.
Warning Signs of a Stroke
When it comes to watching out for the signs of a stroke, it’s important to BE FAST.
- B: Balance issues, dizziness or vertigo
- E: Blurred or double vision in the eyes
- F: Face drooping
- A: Arm or leg weakness
- S: Speech impairment or difficulty
- T: Time to call 911
The longer a stroke goes untreated, the more dangerous it becomes. Around 1.9 million brain cells die per minute during a stroke, so seeking immediate medical attention will increase your chance of survival and lower your risk of long-term disability.
Living with the Effects of a Stroke
A stroke can cause:
- Aphasia
- Blood clots
- Muscle weakness or rigidity
- Incontinence
- Sleep disorders
- Emotional disorders
- Trouble swallowing
Accepting the behavioral and physical changes caused by a stroke can be frightening. However, it’s important to rely on your medical team to answer questions and provide physical and emotional support. You’ll undergo function tests to assess the extent of the stroke’s impact and may begin physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Your care needs might require you to live in a senior care facility during stroke recovery, or you may be able to recover at home.
Setting wellness goals with your therapy team will motivate you and help you track your recovery progress.
Taking Care of Someone Recovering from a Stroke
If you decide to care for a loved one who’s suffered a stroke, you’ll face new responsibilities. They may have difficulties communicating, caring for themselves and completing daily tasks. Consult their team of specialists to understand their physical and mental capabilities, so you can plan your care accordingly.
You may experience a sense of grief after someone you love suffers a stroke, especially if they experience a change in their personality. It’s essential to address your feelings and emotional needs, so you can heal and promote a good quality of life for yourself and your loved one.
If you are caring for someone who has suffered a stroke, we would be honored to assist you. Contact us to find out how we can help.
About Salus Home Care
Do you have an aging loved one who might benefit from some additional social time or support?
Salus Home Care can help.
We are locally based in Biloxi, Mississippi, with clients all along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our mission is to help provide seniors with a higher quality of life, while also offering respite and peace of mind for those family caregivers who might need some support.
Our companions can assist with activities of daily living, help with housekeeping, provide driving services, and do so much more. We offer personalized care plans designed to help you and your family shoulder some responsibility of caring for the senior in your life, during the holidays and all year long.
Have any more questions? Ready to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you! To reach out, give us a call at 228-207-2515, or fill out our online contact form, available here.