Stroke Awareness month is approaching and here at Compassionate Home Care Partners, we want to make sure you are prepared in the event that your loved one has a stroke.
In todays post, we’ll review the different warning signs of strokes, as well as some preventative measures you can take against strokes.
Strokes: Warning Signs
The easiest way to know if your loved one is having a stroke is the F.A.S.T method. The American Stroke Association defines the acronym F.A.S.T:
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911
Other signs of stroke include numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg – especially on one side of the body. Confusion, trouble seeing and walking, and severe headache are also possible signs of strokes.
Strokes: Preventative Measures
A stroke happens when the flow of blood is cut off to part of your brain. Unfortunately, strokes are common and most senior adults are at risk. Some preventative measures you can take against strokes are:
- Lower your blood pressure
- Quit smoking
- Cut out alcohol
- Exercise
- Eat a balanced diet
- Watch your cholesterol
What is Stroke Awareness Month?
Stroke awareness month is not only for those who are at risk of a stroke, but friends and family as well. Stroke awareness helps educate the public about the signs and symptoms of strokes. It also helps people understand what causes strokes and what to do in the event someone you know has a stroke.
If you or a loved one has questions about strokes, call your friends at Compassionate Home Care Partners today at (863) 271-7776 – we’re here to help!
