It is important to recognize symptoms of stroke quickly to prevent complications.
Highlights.
- Stroke during holiday season can be fatal as they occur with little or no warning
- Healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding drinking and smoking, timely medications and adequate rest are important to reduce the risk of stroke.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked leading to the blockage of oxygen to the brain and ultimately to the death of the brain cells.
Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S as well as the leading cause of disability, according to the American Stroke Association.
The incidence of stroke is found to be much higher in India than in Western societies due to lack of awareness about risk factors that could lead to a stroke.
The surge in the incidence of stroke during the holiday can be attributed to factors like-
- holiday stress
- sleep deprivation
- dehydration
- smoking
- overindulging in food and drinks
- seasonal colds and influenza
- changes in barometric pressure and lower temperatures
Experts recommend memorizing an easy-to-remember acronym, to recognize the symptoms of stroke.- FAST
- Face-drooping of the face
- Arm-weakness of arms
- Speech-slurred speech
- Time-key is to call the emergency as soon as possible
Reference
- World Stroke Day 2016: Face the Facts - Stroke is Treatable - (https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/world-stroke-day-2016-face-the-facts-stroke-is-treatable-164713-1.htm)
Source-Medindia