Prevention Tips for American Stroke Awareness Month

A Statistical Look at Heart Disease During American Heart MonthStroke awareness is incredibly important for adults in the US. And while many people consider strokes something that can only affect people later in life, the truth is that simply is not the case. Strokes occur as a result of a clot that prevents blood from reaching the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain is ruptured. Although strokes remain among the most common causes of death and long-term disability in the US, there is a lot that most people don’t know about them and what can be done to prevent them. So for National Stroke Awareness month this May, our healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to share a few simple steps to help our readers prevent strokes before they may occur.

Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is the leading cause of strokes for adults. And since over half of all men and nearly half of all women in the US have high blood pressure according to the American Heart Association, this is obviously not something to take lightly. Thankfully, there is a lot that you can do to manage and keep tabs on your blood pressure. In addition to making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to lower your blood pressure, it’s critical to monitor your blood pressure at home and speak with your healthcare provider about what more you can be doing.

Be Proactive in Stroke Prevention

The earlier you take the risk of developing a stroke seriously, the more effective your prevention efforts will be. Somewhere between 10%-15% of all strokes occur in adults before they turn 50, and the risk of an early stroke is even more prevalent among African American patients.

So with this in mind, practicing healthy lifestyle habits can be an excellent preventive measure against strokes. This includes exercising daily (at least 30 minutes of activity), eating healthy (myplate.gov can help get you started), and keeping tabs on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels (many smartwatch apps can help with these things). Even modest steps in the right direction can pay major dividends in the long run.

Cut Out Smoking & Drinking

Both smoking and drinking alcohol regularly can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a stroke. They can also contribute to other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that are highly associated with strokes. A moderate level of drinking can be ok from time to time, but no amount of smoking or use of other nicotine products is healthy.

Be Aware of the Symptoms

While this might not technically help you prevent a stroke, it’s essential information in the case that one should occur. The five main symptoms of a stroke that everyone should know are:

  • Sudden feelings of numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side of the body)

  • Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking

  • Sudden vision issues and difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes

  • Sudden trouble walking, balance issues, or dizziness

  • Sudden and severe headache

It’s important to discuss stroke prevention with your healthcare provider during annual appointments and see if there is anything more you can be doing to help fend off a stroke before it’s too late. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Abraham Family Medicine. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.