PrognoHealth – Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist
A stroke is a condition in which the brain cells die suddenly because of a lack of oxygen. This could be caused by an obstruction in the blood flow or a break in an artery that feeds the brain. The person may lose the ability to speak or experience memory problems, dizziness, difficulty in walking, loss of balance, numbness, blurred vision, or paralysis on one side of the body.
Stroke continues to be a widespread disease worldwide, afflicting over 15 million people each year, of which almost 6 million dies, while 5 million more are left permanently disabled. Every alternate second someone gets a stroke, regardless of age or gender. World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to create awareness on prevention & treatment of the condition & ensure better care & support for the survivors.
Risk factors
Age over 55 years generally, a family history of strokes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, physical inactivity, depression, obesity, excess use of birth control drugs or other hormone therapy, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol
How to prevent a stroke
* Manage blood pressure levels. Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for a stroke.
* Check the cholesterol level regularly. Monitor diabetes.
* Eat a balanced diet, reduce fat and salt intake.
* Be active, walk briskly for at least 20 minutes a day. This will help reduce the chance of stroke by almost 40%.
* Have the right amount of sleep – 7 hours. More than 10 hours a night increases the stroke risk by 63%.
* Manage headaches; those with flashes of light & .blind spots appear linked to higher stroke risk in women.
* Heart flutters occur with shortness of breath, light-headedness, and chest pain – all signs of atrial fibrillation (abnormal heartbeat), which increases the risk of stroke about 5 times.
* Add raisins, bananas, and tomatoes to the diet; they are full of potassium, a nutrient that can reduce the stroke risk by 20%
* Don’t smoke or be exposed to second-hand smoke. Smoking doubles the risk by weakening blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.
• Know the family history. If there is a family history, the chances of a stroke are higher.
• Excess weight strains the circulatory system, increases blood pressure and the risks for stroke.
• Limit alcohol use as it raises the blood pressure and hardens the arteries.
• Always take medicines carefully, as prescribed by the doctor.
Progno Health is a Corporate Health & Wellness Specialist providing services to Pan India. We offer Pre-employment Health Checkup Packages, Annual Health Checkup Packages, Executive Health Checkup Packages, Occupational Health Checkup Packages, and other Health & Wellness Services.
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