Know your stroke risk
Seniors are being urged to ‘know their stroke risk’ as part of National Stroke Week this week. This year’s theme for National Stroke Week reiterates that one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime – but many people do not know their stroke risk.
Seniors are being urged to ‘know their stroke risk’ as part of National Stroke Week this week.
This year’s theme for National Stroke Week reiterates that one in six people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime – but many people do not know their stroke risk.
The problem with diagnosing a stroke in an older person is many of the typical symptoms which are alarming in a younger person are easily mistaken for normal signs of ageing in the elderly.
The best outcome for stroke victims occurs when the patient goes to the hospital and begins treatment within, reportedly, an hour of the onset of symptoms.
There are six steps people can take to reduce the risk and the danger of stroke:
1. Know your personal risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
2. Be physically active and exercise regularly.
3. Avoid obesity by keeping to a healthy diet.
4. Limit alcohol consumption.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke.
6. Learn to recognise the warning signs of stroke and act FAST.
To find out more about stroke risk and preventative measures, visit the National Stroke Foundation.
