May is “National Stroke Awareness Month”



The National Stroke Awareness Month began in May, 1989 after President George H. W. Bush signed a Presidential Proclamation aimed at promoting public awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes and reducing the number of incidences in the U.S.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) partners with the National Stroke Association, the American Heart Association and other non-profits to education Americans not only on warning signs but how to control risk factors to improve brain health. 

The NIH warns that “stroke is a leading cause of death & can happen to anyone.”  With over 800,000 incidences each year, it is also the leading cause of serious long-term disabilities. The majority of stokes occur in people over 65 and the risk more than doubles each decade after the age of 55.

The American Heart Association advises all American to know F.A.S.T., the warning signs of stroke as it may save a life.  They include:

Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?
Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Time to Call 9-1-1
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Other warning signs include:

·         Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
·         Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
·         Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
·         Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
·         Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

The more we know about strokes, the better we are at controlling the associated risk factors.  As the leading cause of stroke is high blood pressure or hypertension, the American Stroke Association says it is also the “most significant controllable risk factor.”  They recommend knowing your numbers and following doctors’ advice to keep them low.  Quitting smoking also reduces your risk, and as Type 1 or 2 diabetes is another risk factor, you need to mitigate the danger by managing the disease.  Eating a diet of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day, reducing your sodium intake, and avoiding foods high in saturated fat additionally helps to keep your heart healthy and reduces the risk for stroke.      


MorningStar at Jordan Creek offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create a true “home” for residents.  Visit our website to set up a tour of the finest senior living Des Moines-West Des Moines offers.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Benefits of Assisted Living

Image
Studies show that for many older adults in need of a little daily assistance, life is easier in assisted living.  The reason so many of them say they prefer assisted living to living on their own, is it actuals helps them to feel more – not less – independent.  In fact, senior living communities such as MorningStar of Littleton are designed to provide seniors a lifestyle of comfort, wellness, and community.   When you live in your own home, you have the constant worry of upkeep and unexpected repairs, or you may be a person who no longer feels comfortable driving and have given it up altogether.  This makes running errands, grocery shopping and getting to doctors’ appointments difficult. Moving into assisted living means you no longer have to spend time worrying about maintaining a home, and communities such as MorningStar offer scheduled transportation.  Meal prep is another thing that is often difficult for the elderly, and as a result, many older ...
Read more

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Reflections Neighborhood

Image
  Along with the finest assisted living Des Moines –West Des Moines has to offer; MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Reflections Neighborhood has 29 secure suites devoted to caring for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The Reflections Neighborhood is specifically designed to allow our most tender residents the freedom to explore their surroundings safely and easily. Within the safe haven of our “Neighborhood,” we have created an environment that encourages and supports residents’ independence whenever possible. We accept residents in the earliest stage of the disease right through to those in more advanced phases that require the highest level of care. As dementia care specialists, we understand how devastating it is when a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another memory loss disease, and we want you to know we are here to help. We are honored to offer care and support as we walk alongside the memory-impaired and their families on this u...
Read more

MorningStar at Jordan Creek’s Assisted Living Meets All of Your Needs

Image
If you are looking for exceptional assisted living, Des Moines area MorningStar at Jordan Creek may be your answer.   Our community has 56 private assisted living suites , and another 29 secure suites devoted to the care of those with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases.  If you are wondering how costs are determined, we can provide you with a general guideline.  Assisted living offers seniors 62 years and older compassionate assistance with the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in a residential setting and each resident’s care is personalized to address their needs.  Even before you move in, MorningStar’s Wellness Director will sit down with you and your family and do a thorough assessment in order to create an individualized care plan.  Once you have moved in, your trained Care Managers will see to it your needs are met, and as we do routine Care Plan reviews, any changes to your health will be addressed.  You monthly fee is based on ...
Read more