Healthcare Directory

FAST: Warning Signs of Stroke Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Time – If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. cells stick to blood vessel walls and may block arteries. High cholesterol – High cholesterol increases the risk of clogged arteries, which can lead to a stroke. Physical inactivity and obesity – Being inactive, obese or both can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Excessive alcohol intake – Women should drink no more than one drink per day. Men should drink no more than two drinks a day. Drinking more than this raises blood pressure. Binge drinking can lead to stroke. Illegal drug use – Intravenous drug use carries a high risk of stroke. Cocaine use has also been linked to stroke. Risk factors you can't control: no contracts for membership Tai Chi, Zumba, Yoga classes PreCor Adaptive Motion Trainers [AMTs] Cardio Equipment with Personal Viewing Systems Massage Therapy available 7 days a week (910) 615-7539 :: www.healthplexonline.com Increasing age – Stroke affects people of all ages. But the older you are, the greater your stroke risk. Gender – In most age groups, more men than women have stroke, but more women die from stroke. Heredity – People whose close blood relatives have had a stroke have a higher risk of stroke. Race – African Americans have a higher risk of death and disability from stroke than whites, because they have high blood pressure more often. Hispanic Americans are also at higher risk of stroke. Prior stroke – Someone who has had a stroke is at higher risk of having another one. Warning Signs of Stroke: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Time – If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you are with has any of the above symptoms. DO NOT wait to see if symptoms improve. Time lost is brain lost! Donnie Byers is the Public Relations Coordinator for Cape Fear Valley Health System. 20 | 2013 Medical & Dental Directory

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