Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Stroke

According to the CDC, every 40 seconds, someone in the US suffers a stroke ever 40 seconds, and someone dies from a stroke every 4 minutes. While strokes are very common, but many people don’t recognize the symptoms in time to get medical help.

Fortunately, many people do recover from strokes, but quick action is key. A stroke reduces the flow of blood to the brain, and brain cells begin to die quickly. People who receive medical care within the first 3 hours after a stroke have better outcomes than those who wait to seek care.

Are you familiar with stroke warning signs and symptoms?  Do you know what to do if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke?

Stroke Risk Factors

Some stroke risk factors are beyond your control, but it’s helpful to identify them. That way, you know you’re already at increased risk for a stroke and can work with your healthcare provider on mitigate the risk as much as possible. These include your age, family medical history, gender (women have more strokes than men), and race.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke risk factors that you can address with medical care or lifestyle changes include:

• High blood pressure: This is a leading cause of stroke, so controlling high blood pressure is critically important.
• Smoking: The nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can damage the cardiovascular system. African Americans as a group tend to suffer more strokes than other ethnicities, and if smoking can more than double their risk of stroke.
• Poor diet: A high-calorie diet or one that’s high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium can increase blood pressure and the chance of a stroke. Aim for more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
• Physical inactivity: Exercise is good for both brain health and physical health because it can lower blood pressure and help control weight. Look for a senior-friendly gym that offers exercise options appropriate to your age and physical condition.
• High Cholesterol: Large amounts of cholesterol in the blood can form blood clots and lead to stroke. Get regular blood cholesterol checks and talk with your doctor about ways to lower your cholesterol totals.
• Heart disease: Any type of heart disease can increase your chance for a stroke. Get regular medical checks to monitor your condition and work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.

Act FAST if You Notice these Stroke Symptoms

There are four common signs of a stroke, and they’re easy to remember because you can use the acronym FAST:

• Face: One side of the face may be numb or even droop. Look for a lopsided smile.
• Arm: There may be weakness in the arms. Try to raise both arms. One may droop or be shaky.
• Speech: The person may have difficulty speaking, experience slurred speech, or have difficulty repeating words.
• Time: Call 911 ASAP and report a possible stroke.

This short music video from the American Heart Association can help you learn and remember the FAST system of identifying a stroke.

Other stroke symptoms include verbal confusion, dizziness, numbness anywhere on the body, trouble walking, or sudden, severe headaches.

Get Help Quickly with a Medical Life Alert System

Strokes are particularly serious in people over age 65; over half of senior stroke survivors lose enough mobility to affect quality of life.

A severe stroke can render you unconscious quickly, so you need a way to call for help immediately. For people living or traveling alone, a Bay Alarm Medical medical alert system can make it easier to get help quickly in case of a stroke or any other emergency.

Even if you can’t get to a phone, your home medical alert pendant or smart watch means that help is just a push button away.  Emergencies occur in the car too, and our in-car medical alert system allows you to contact a live help operator, ask for immediate assistance, and notify your emergency contacts – all in one step.

Contact us at 1-877-522-9633 to discuss with medical alert system bundle fits your lifestyle and your budget.