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When it comes to stroke, “time is brain.” You’ve probably heard that before. But what does that mean?
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires treatment as soon as possible. The sooner someone receives treatment, the more likely they are to avoid catastrophic injury or death.
When stroke symptoms are identified, quick action can literally save someone’s brain.
Every 40 seconds someone in America has a stroke, and every three and a half minutes, someone dies from stroke.
Stroke is the leading cause of serious disability among adults and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
High blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol are all factors that increase your risk for stroke. Stroke is 80 percent preventable and is usually a result of other chronic medical conditions. If you can treat those early, you’re less likely to have a stroke.
Getting back to the “time is brain” idea, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs that someone is having a stroke. Do you know the symptoms? You will after you listen to this episode.
In Episode 70, Dr. G and his guest, Matthew McCoyd, MD, discuss how to recognize the signs of stroke, how stroke is treated and ways to prevent one.
Guest
Myths vs. Facts
“If stroke symptoms go away, then there’s nothing to worry about.” – Myth
That is your opportunity to take action to prevent a stroke. Make an appointment with your primary care physician to talk about the symptoms.
“You can’t do anything to prevent stroke.” – Myth
Strokes are 80 percent preventable. Controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol will reduce the risk.
“There is no treatment for stroke.” – Myth
There are acute treatments that are administered immediately when someone has a stroke and there are ways to reduce the risk of stroke.
“Strokes only happen to the elderly.” – Myth
Age is a risk factor for stroke, but strokes can occur at any age.
“Women are not likely to have strokes.” – Myth
Women can and do have strokes. Men may be slightly more likely to have a stroke, but gender doesn’t discriminate when it comes to stroke.
“Stroke recovery is a lifelong process.” – Both
Recovery from stroke is an ongoing process. People need to focus on long-term lifestyle changes to reduce their risk of future strokes.
“Stroke warning signs are difficult to recognize.” – Myth
Some warning signs are obvious, but some can be more challenging to recognize.
“Family history of stroke increases your chance for stroke.” – Myth
Family history can be important for someone’s personal medical profile. If there is a strong family history of things like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, you may have a higher risk of those diseases as well, which in turn could increase your risk of stroke.
Listener healthy OH-YEAH!
What kinds of activities do you do to restore yourself both physically and mentally? “Weight class and Zumba” – J.B.
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