As part of a national public education movement Live Free Home Health Care encourages quick assessment as the key to reducing the side effects of a stroke. A stroke is the result of interrupted blood flow to an area of the brain and can cause brain damage. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. Abilities impacted usually include speech, movement, and memory.

Symptoms of a stroke include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of face, an arm, or a leg – especially on one side of the body.
  • Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding.
  • Trouble seeing from one or both eyes.
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

According to the National Stroke Association (NSA), 80% of strokes are preventable through careful attention to these ten steps:

  • Check your blood pressure regularly.
  • Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat.)
  • Stop smoking.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation.
  • Know your cholesterol numbers.
  • Control diabetes.
  • Exercise.
  • Eat a lower sodium, lower fat diet.
  • Find out if you have circulation problems.
  • Be aware of your stroke symptoms.

The National Stroke Association is the leading national non-profit organization devoting all of its efforts and resources to stroke. NSA provides the most up-to-date information on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for stroke survivors and their families. For more information on NSA contact 1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537) or click here to visit the NSA website.

Live Free Home Health Care offers care for individuals who have suffered from a stroke as well as advice and guidance for friends and family who serve as caregivers. If your loved one has suffered a stroke and is in need of care, please call us at 603 217 0149. You can also read more about options to age at home by clicking here.