Who likes thinking about stroke? It’s scary! But when we talk about it, we learn how to prevent and treat it. With quick and careful treatment—from diet and exercise to medications and guided rehabilitation—life can go on happily and healthily after stroke. But first of all, we need to start the conversation. So let’s chat.
You: What is a stroke?
Me: A stroke occurs when a clot of blood gets stuck in your brain or a blood vessel in your brain bursts. Many factors can increase your risk for stroke. Do you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes? Do you smoke or are you overweight? Take this free risk assessment to see if you might be at risk for stroke.
You: How do I know if it’s a stroke?
Me: If you or a loved one has a stroke, check for signs and call 911 as soon as possible. When a stroke occurs, blood cannot get to parts of the brain that control speech and movement. When you notice these signs, the key is to think and act “FAST:”
F – Face: If a person has a stroke, often one side of their face will droop. A lopsided smile is a telltale sign.
A – Arms: If you lift your arms in front of you and one of them drifts down, this could be a sign of stroke.
S – Speech: A stroke can affect speech and make a person slur or garble their words.
T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away because the longer you wait, the more devastating the effects of a stroke can be.
You: What happens after a stroke?
Me: Stroke affects people in different ways so there isn’t one answer to this. There is a strong healthcare support team at Swedish that tailors care and follow-up treatment for stroke patients and their families. From medical treatment to physical rehabilitation and emotional support, there are many resources available.
Stroke can be a scary and daunting experience for patients and their loved ones but there is life after stroke and it can be happy, healthy and fulfilling. Members of the Stroke Team at Swedish are holding a free, audience-driven discussion about life after stroke on Wednesday, November 14th from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Swedish/Cherry Hill. Patients, families and caregivers are encouraged to attend, learn more about resources and ask questions.
Whether you or a loved one is at risk for a stroke or has already had one, this could be a beneficial time to get answers and recommendations that could help. Stroke can be scary but it is worth talking about. Join the conversation!