Dear Clients,

STROKE
By: Sly Luckett, CPT
 
On April 20, 2010, I lost a loved one to a stroke!!
It's my turn to place an article on our Positive Motion website.  So, my topic is on the power we have to end stroke. The power is in our hands to prevent and overcome stroke.
 
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of long term disability for all Americans, but, especially for African Americans.  A high rate of risk factors such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, and family history of stroke greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the African American community. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with Whites, yet in a recent survey, The American Stroke Association found that only about 50% of African American respondents know stroke symptoms.
 
More than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke every year.  If you suffered a stroke, you are at increased risk for another stroke or a heart attack.  The risk never goes away, however, you can reduce your risk because you have the power to:
1.       Put down that cigarette
2.      Know your family's medical history
3.      Watch your weight and be physically active for a total of at least 2 ½ hours per week
4.      Avoid foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugars and salt
5.      Regulate and control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and blood sugar.
 
It's well known that being physically active improves your cardiovascular fitness, but you may not realize that consistent inactivity actually increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.  Being physically active can help you prevent or control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity /overweight.  Exercise can also help you reduce stress levels, give you more energy, and improve your self-image.
 
Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity activity each week. To gauge the intensity of an exercise, pay attention to your heart rate and breathing.  During moderate-intensity exercise, you should be able to talk but not sing.  Examples include brisk walking, dancing (ballroom), and biking at less than 10 miles per hour.  On the other hand, vigorous-intensity activities should make you breathe rapidly and substantially increase your heart rate...you should be able to say only a few words without catching your breathe.  Examples include running or jogging, swimming laps, and taking aerobic classes.  You can combine moderate and vigorous activities to suit your preference to reach an equivalent total.
 
Lastly, learn to recognize the warning signs of stroke.  Acting quickly can mean the difference between survival and disability or death.  Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these signs of stroke:
1.      Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body.
2.      Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
3.      Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4.      Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
5.      Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
 
Reduce your risk and make lifestyle changes!
Stroke is a medical emergency - every second counts.  If you or someone nearby shows the warning signs of stroke, immediately call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services number for an ambulance to be sent; ideally one equipped with advanced life support.
 
*Information for the above article taken from the American Heart Association & the American Stroke Association
 
Sly Luckett, Certified Personal Trainer, 
AAAI/ISMA Certified
ACE, AFAA, NASM, CHEK education
Southern Oregon University, BA 
College & professional basketball career