Up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable and it’s the thing most likely to disable you and make you dependent on your family for your needs. A stroke, or brain attack, happens when blood flow to your brain is stopped. It is a medical emergency. Call 911 if you think you might be having a stroke or stroke symptoms. Anyone can have a stroke at any age. Your chance of having a stroke increases if you have certain risk factors. Some risk factors for stroke can be changed or managed, while others can’t.
Risk factors for stroke that can be changed, treated or medically managed: *High blood pressure *Heart disease *Atrial fibrillation-irregular heartbeat *Diabetes *Smoking *Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) *History of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) *High blood cholesterol and lipids *Lack of exercise *Obesity *Excessive alcohol use *Illegal drugs Risk factors for stroke that can’t be changed: *Older age-for each decade of life after age 55, your chance of having a stroke more than doubles. *Race-African Americans have a much higher risk for death and disability from a stroke than Caucasians. *Gender-Stroke occurs more often in men, but more women than men die from stroke. *History of prior stroke. *Heredity or genetics.
BEFAST!
The acronym B-E-F-A-S-T( B=Balance: E=Eyes, check for vision loss, F=Facial Droop, A=Arm weakness or drift; S=Slurred Speech; T=Time to call 911) is a simple tool to educate everyone about the most common warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, and to call 911 instantly if they even have a suspicion that a possible stroke has occurred. NO aspirin, water, food, NOTHING IN MOUTH. Teaching your children or loved ones BEFAST could save your life.
For additional information about stroke prevention and education through the Integris James R. Daniel Stroke Center click on the link provided.
https://integrisok.com/locations/neuroscience/integris-james-r-daniel-stroke-center/prevention-and-education
Free training is also available “Each One Teach One-Be a Stroke Hero,” through the Integris Health Stroke Services. Contact Charlotte Colbert, MS, RN, CPHQ at charlotte.colbert@integrisok.com or call 405-644-6867.
