Know the signs of stroke

Believe it or not, the signs of stroke can seem like little things that are off, such as sudden difficulties in normal functioning, including loss of coordination while walking.  Or, you might have trouble with your vision. Talking might become harder or you might become confused. Numbness or weakness in limbs is common for people having a stroke, many times on one side of the body. You might notice a face droop. If there’s no simple explanation for why you are experiencing these symptoms—do not hesitate and seek help!

Keep in mind that some people don’t experience typical stroke symptoms. If you feel anything is off, go to the doctor! Do not underappreciate your symptoms or ignore them. Remember, timing is very important in treating strokes.  In an article published by Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association, “even in communities with highly organized and active stroke programs, less than 10% of stroke victims receive immediate treatment.” If you don’t get treatment quickly, certain therapies are simply not available and the damage can be irreversible. Help those numbers by recognizing the signs and getting help right away. Speedy treatment can stop damage to the brain and make all the difference.

Here’s more from Just Care:

• Another reason to exercise: It lowers your risk of stroke
• Advil and Aleve increase risk of stroke and heart attack
• Heart health and cardiovascular care
• Medicare covers physical, speech and occupational therapy
• What to know about Medicare inpatient hospital care