Stroke is one of the top five leading causes of death in the United States, according to The American Stroke Association. It is also the leading cause of disability. With these startling statistics, it is crucial that we as a community understand the importance of stroke awareness. This May we celebrate National Stroke Awareness month by learning the most common stroke risk factors, both those we can control and those we can’t.
Risk Factors We Can Control
There are over 10 different risk factors for a stroke that we can control ourselves. Here are just a few:
- High Blood Pressure: This is the leading cause of stroke; it is very important to know your numbers and keep them low.
- Smoking: The chemicals that cigarettes contain cause significant damage to the body, making the chance of a stroke higher.
- Diabetes: Although diabetes is treatable, this disease does increase your risk of a stroke.
Take a look at the list The American Stroke Association has put together on the remaining risk factors that we can control.
Life After Stroke
Even if we know the risk factors and take care of our health, sometimes we cannot control what happens to our bodies and a stroke may occur. Life after a stroke can seem unmanageable & daunting, but with help from an Open Arms Solutions caregiver the road to recovery can be easier.
Open Arms Solutions develops a formalized personal care program for our clients that have suffered a stroke. We are able to assist in supporting the day-to-day activities as well as emotional support & medication management.
For more information regarding our Stroke Care Program, please contact us at 847-272-4997.
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