A sobering fact that you may not be aware of is that every 40 seconds in the United States of America, someone has a stroke. Strokes are the most common cause of long-term disability, and the fifth leading cause of death. While this may sound frightening, and rightly so, the good news is that with the right care for patients after a stroke, individuals can recover and continue to lead fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own home.
Preventing strokes is the best option, and begins with understanding the risk factors that lead to one, and then taking the preventative steps and measures to reduce the likelihood altogether. Factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity can all increase the risk of a stroke. Adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and refraining from smoking can all lower an individual’s risk of experiencing a stroke.
To ensure timely medical intervention, which can both save the life of someone suffering a stroke, as well as minimize the amount of damage that occurs from one, it is critical to recognize the signs of a stroke. Remember the acronym FAST, which stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Being vigilant for any of these signs and seeking emergency assistance as soon as possible can make all the difference.
And for those who have experienced a stroke, the road to recovery can be challenging. Individuals will most likely require ongoing care and support to regain their independence. In home health services can be incredibly useful to ensure that the recovery plan prescribed by healthcare providers is a success.