A TALE OF CHANGERisk factors, symptoms and a plan

to help prevent stroke

My Story

Four months ago after returning from my honeymoon, I decided it was past time to work on getting in shape. I had already taken advantage of the gym membership offered through the County, but like many others, I was not consistently “working out.” This enthusiasm lasted a short while. Then came reality.

My Story cont’d

Two things happened: I had my annual physical (which included lab work), and I read an article regarding stroke symptoms and risk factors. What I discovered was enough to influence the way I am choosing to live.

I have 3 STROKE risk factors that both men and women share AND

2 STROKE risk factors unique to women. TIME FOR ACTION. TIME FOR DELIBERATE

CHANGESACG

STROKE

A sudden loss of brain function caused by a

disturbance in the brain’s blood supply.

Stroke is a medical emergency.

Two types of strokes:

FACTS

Stroke kills about 134,000 Americans annually

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US

Stroke is a life changing event that affects the victim as well as family members

SYMPTOMS

MEN AND WOMEN UNIQUE TO WOMEN

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

Difficulty speaking or understanding

Confusion Difficulty seeing in one or

both eyes Difficulty walking Dizziness Loss of balance Severe headache with no

known cause

Facial and limb pain Nausea General weakness Chest pain Shortness of breath Palpitations hiccups

RISK FACTORS

MEN AND WOMEN UNIQUE TO WOMEN

Family history of stroke

High blood pressure High cholesterol

levels Smoking Diabetes mellitus Overweight Lack of exercise

Pregnancy Oral contraceptive

use Use of hormone

replacement therapy High triglyceride

levels History of migraines Thick waist

Modifiable risk factors

Hypertension Diabetes mellitus Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) Cigarette smoking Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat

causing poor blood flow to the body) Obesity Physical inactivity

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Get moderate physical activity for 30 min most days of the week

Avoid tobacco use

What more can you do…

Eat a diet including plenty of vegetables and fruits. Avoid saturated fats and calorie- dense meals

You can still do more… Obtain and then maintain a normal body

weight

You can never have too much more…

Reduce stress at home and WORK

A Challenge

Jackson-Stanfield Health Center is looking for 40 people to join us in a challenge to make deliberate lifestyle changes for 8 next weeks. We will begin June 3rd. Some of you will end July 26th and others will find that the change is good.

Those interested please email your preliminary meal plan and well as exercise plan to:

arlena.guzy@dallascounty.orgWe will even have a gift to help you get

started.

References

Ennen, Kathleeen, PhD, RN, CNE (May 2013). Taking a second look at stroke in women. American Nurse Today. Vol. 8,5

Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/atrial-fibrillation/DS00291

About.comhttp://yoga.about.com/od/yogasequences/tp/deskstretches.htm