HEART/STROKE: Recognizing Stroke
Tips to spot trouble
According to the National Stroke Association, consider these five symptoms if you suspect your loved one has had a stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
To help avoid stroke, consider the following:
1) Maintain safe blood pressure, keeping diastolic readings
below 85 and systolic readings below 135
2) Have your doctor check your pulse to determine if you
suffer from atrial fibrillation
3) Don't smoke
4) Drink alcohol only in moderation
5) Keep cholesterol levels below the danger range
6) If you have diabetes, control it as medically instructed
7) Exercise
8) Keep sodium/salt intake low
9) Have your doctor check for circulation problems
10) Immediately seek medical attention should you notice
stroke symptoms