Stroke Prevention: Steps to Healthful Living Richard L. Harvey, MD Director, Center for Stroke Rehabilitation The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University

Is Stroke Prevention Important? YES!!YES!! 730,000 people in the US have a stroke every year730,000 people in the US have a stroke every year It’s the 3 rd leading cause of deathIt’s the 3 rd leading cause of death It’s the #1 cause of serious disability in people over 65It’s the #1 cause of serious disability in people over 65

What is a Stroke? Something that happens when your old?Something that happens when your old? A kind of injury to the brain?A kind of injury to the brain? A cerebrovascular accident?A cerebrovascular accident? A BRAIN ATTACK!A BRAIN ATTACK! Just Like a Heart Attack Stroke is an Emergency!!

What is a Stroke? A stroke happens when a blood vessel delivering blood and nutrition to the brainA stroke happens when a blood vessel delivering blood and nutrition to the brain –Is blocked by a blood clot in the vessel –Is blocked by a blood clot that travels from the heart to the brain –Ruptures and bleeds into the brain Its called a STROKE because the symptoms usually appear suddenly

What is a Stroke? When a brain vessel is blocked, the part of brain supplied by that vessel dies.When a brain vessel is blocked, the part of brain supplied by that vessel dies.

What is a Stroke? A stroke can happen from ATHEROSCLEROSIS which is hardening of the arteriesA stroke can happen from ATHEROSCLEROSIS which is hardening of the arteries

What is a Stroke? When a brain vessel ruptures, blood enters the brain and injures it.When a brain vessel ruptures, blood enters the brain and injures it.

What are the symptoms of Stroke? Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg -- especially on one side of the bodySudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg -- especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understandingSudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyesSudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known causeSudden severe headache with no known cause Call 911 Right Away!!

CALL 911!!! Because Saving Time Can Mean Saving Brain

How to Prevent Stroke Know your Blood PressureKnow your Blood Pressure High blood pressureHigh blood pressure –Also known as hypertension –Puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels –The stress of high blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries –Its the “silent killer” Hypertension usually has no symptoms

How to Prevent Stroke If you have High Blood Pressure See your Doctor and get TreatmentIf you have High Blood Pressure See your Doctor and get Treatment –Medications can help –Reduce salt in diet –Lose weight –Exercise regularly

How to Prevent Stroke Quit SmokingQuit Smoking –Doubles your risk for stroke –If you have smoke and have high blood pressure your risk of stroke increase 20 times! –There are medical treatments to help you quit. You might find it hard to quit smoking, but it is easier than recovering from stroke

How to Prevent Stroke Healthful EatingHealthful Eating –Eat in moderation –Avoid Snacks –Watch the fat –Always mix diet with Exercise

Healthful Diet Control Cholesterol and saturated fat in dietControl Cholesterol and saturated fat in diet –It can cause athersclerosis –Cholesterol is found in foods from animal products Egg yolksEgg yolks LiverLiver Red meatRed meat Butter (and margarines)Butter (and margarines) Fatty food is bad for the brain!

Healthful Diet Follow the “RULE OF SIXES”Follow the “RULE OF SIXES” –No more than 6 oz of lean meat, fish or skinless poultry a day –At least 6 servings of Fruit and Vegetables daily –At least 6 servings of breads, cereals or whole grains every day.

Healthful Diet Avoid High Fat Sauces and DressingsAvoid High Fat Sauces and Dressings

Healthful Diet Avoid Salt in Food!!Avoid Salt in Food!!

Diet and Exercise Regular exerciseRegular exercise –Controls your weight –Keeps blood sugar normal –Reduces your blood pressure And You Feel Better Too!

How Do You Prevent Stroke? Change those old habitsChange those old habits Get HealthyGet Healthy And Have Fun along the Way!!And Have Fun along the Way!! You have the Power to Reduce Stroke Now!

Be Strong Live With Health Take Care of Your Brain