A stroke is a concerning medical condition and requires immediate attention by a doctor. It occurs when the blood supply gets cut off from a part of the brain. Delaying the treatment of the stroke can lead to permanent damage or death.
If you are aware of the symptoms of a stroke, it can help you identify when someone around you is having a stroke. FAST is an easy way to become aware of the symptoms of a stroke. It stands for:
F for face – Drooping on one side of the face.
A for arm – Being unable to lift or move your arm from one side of your body.
S for speech – Sudden inability to speak from one side of your mouth.
T for time – Getting medical attention is an immediate requirement, so call an ambulance as soon as possible.
Apart from the uncontrollable risk factors, such as age or history of stroke, altering your lifestyle and adopting healthy habits can reduce the risk of stroke, or prevent it from happening again.
Preventing a Stroke
Strokes can happen because of various reasons, such as smoking, heart disease, etc. People who experience a stroke once are more likely to get it again. If you have already gone through a stroke or are at risk of stroke, it is time to adopt and commit to a healthier lifestyle. It is essential to consult the Best Neurologist in Lahore. Here are a few ways you can lessen your chances of getting a stroke:
1: Quit smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of stroke and many other severe health conditions. Nipping this habit in the bud can improve your quality of life and health. Secondhand smoke can also damage your health. It can also tempt you to smoke if you have quit, so maintain distance when someone is smoking. If you have difficulty quitting, you can consult an addiction specialist through oladoc.com.
2: Manage blood pressure
High blood pressure is a contributing factor to stroke. It can clog your arteries by putting pressure on the walls of the arteries. It is one of the top risk factors for stroke. Know the range that your blood pressure should not exceed. Take your medication on a regular basis and keep monitoring your blood pressure at home. Ensure that it stays within the normal range.
3: Eat a healthy diet
Eating a diverse and fulfilling diet is essential for being healthy. Nutrients that you get from food play a vital role in keeping your organs functioning. Certain changes in your diet can reduce the risk of stroke by catering to the risk factors of a stroke. Having a diet plan according to your body needs can decrease the chances of obesity, which is another major risk factor for stroke. Other changes, such as lessening your sodium intake or limiting your intake of fatty foods can save you from heart disease, hence lowering the chance of stroke.
4: Exercise Regularly
Exercise can keep your health in good shape by keeping you away from becoming obese and strengthening your body. In addition to reducing the risk of stroke, it can also lessen the chances of another stroke. So, maintain a routine exercise to keep yourself healthy.
5: Manage stress
Stress is a contributory factor to many health issues, including stroke. Due to our busy schedules and hectic lifestyle, stress has become a part of our daily life. It may be hard to eliminate stress from your life, but you can try to minimize the triggers and learn stress management techniques to keep your stress levels under control.
6: Limit Alcohol
Heavy drinkers have a higher chance of getting a stroke. Drinking alcohol excessively damages your liver and also increases your blood pressure. Avoiding alcohol or limiting your intake can lower the risk of stroke.
Recovering from a stroke
Stroke can lead to impairment in brain function. It takes months of rehabilitation for stroke survivors to get better. There are also changes in life-long disability with stroke, so it is vital to take steps to prevent it.
To be the best caregiver, you need to get the right message. However, you may feel attacked for the first few days with new information. But try to absorb as much as possible to learn your preferred level of care. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at first and not sure what to do. So if you need to get medical advice, it’s important to be a good caregiver.
You can play an active role in your loved one’s recovery by asking all your questions to a healthcare provider. For example, you may wonder whether someone can recover from aphasia. Consider bringing a list of questions to each doctor’s appointment to be fully prepared. In addition to your own questions, ask your loved ones if they have any questions.
Are they ashamed to ask themselves?
Even with the help of health insurance or Medicaid, treating a stroke can be a financial burden. And navigating the healthcare system can be confusing. First, check with your insurance company to find out how much you will pay for your loved one’s stroke treatment. You may need to appeal or contact your hospital’s social services or case manager for financial assistance. It depends on what your insurance company tells you.
