Mark your calendars! The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) unit at CERN is excited to announce a stroke awareness campaign scheduled for October 17, 2024.
Understanding Strokes
A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.
Types of Strokes
There are two main types of strokes:
1. Ischemic Stroke
This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases. It occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures. Bleeding inside the brain results in swelling, which damages brain cells.
Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
Time is crucial when it comes to stroke treatment. Acting FAST can make a significant difference:
- F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
- A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.” Can they repeat it correctly?
- T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If you observe any of these signs, even if they are temporary, call your local emergency number immediately.
The Importance of Stroke Prevention
While strokes can be life-threatening, the good news is that many strokes are preventable. By understanding and addressing risk factors, you can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing a stroke.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Some risk factors are beyond our control, while others are modifiable:
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Gender (men are at higher risk, but women are more likely to die from stroke)
- Family history of stroke
- Prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Modifiable Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Drug abuse (especially cocaine and amphetamines)
- Sleep apnea
Taking Action to Prevent Strokes
The CERN stroke awareness campaign aims to empower individuals to take control of their health and reduce their risk of stroke. Here are some key actions you can take:
1. Know Your Numbers
Get regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and what steps you can take to manage them.
2. Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a small amount of weight if you are overweight or obese can make a difference.
- Engage in regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, spread throughout the week.
- Don’t smoke: If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit. Seek support from healthcare professionals or organizations.
- Limit alcohol consumption: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
- Manage stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, yoga, or spending time in nature.
3. Be Aware of Stroke Symptoms
Learn the FAST acronym and be vigilant in recognizing the signs of a stroke. Early detection and prompt medical attention are crucial for improving outcomes.
FAQ Section
1. What are the long-term effects of a stroke?
The effects of a stroke vary depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage. Some people recover fully, while others experience lasting disabilities, such as:
- Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
- Speech and language difficulties
- Memory problems
- Vision problems
- Emotional changes
- Pain
2. How can I prevent a second stroke?
If you’ve had a stroke, working closely with your healthcare team to manage risk factors is crucial for preventing another one. This may involve:
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Making lifestyle changes
- Attending rehabilitation therapy
3. What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call your local emergency number immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve.
Conclusion
Stroke is a serious health concern, but it’s often preventable through awareness, healthy lifestyle choices, and early intervention. The CERN stroke awareness campaign on October 17, 2024, will provide valuable information and resources to help you take charge of your health and reduce your risk of stroke. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!
Source: HSE Unit at CERN.