The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and though most occur in people over 65, they can can occur at any age.   As a community resource, Crestwood Care Centre provides helpful and important information on health and well being.  Crestwood Care Centre is also a community leader in stroke rehabilitation and long term care for stroke survivors. Through this forum, we wil be discussing stroke in 3 parts; risk, symptoms and recovery, beginning with risk.
     There are many factors that play into an individual's risk level.  As mentioned above, a stroke can occur in anyone at any age, however, there are definite groups that are at a higher risk. The National Stroke Association breaks these risk factors into 2 main categories; controllable and uncontrollable.  The controllable risk factors are also divided into 2 categories, lifestyle and medical:
Controllable Risk Factors

Medical:   

• High Blood Pressure
   
• Atrial Fibrillation
   
• High Cholesterol
   
• Diabetes                                                                                                               

Lifestyle:  

• Tobacco Use (smoking, dip, etc...)
   
• Alcohol Use
   
• Physical Inactivity
   
• Obesity

These are all risk factors that can be controlled with medications and/or changes in lifestyle.  Obviously, by making lifestyle changes early, you can reduce the chances of ever needing medical/medication control later on.
     The second category, covers the risk factors that cannot be changed in any way.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors

•            Age
•            Gender
•            Race
•            Family History
•            Previous Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
•            Fibro muscular Dysplasia
•            PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale; a hole in the heart)

Statistics show that the majority of strokes occur in the over 55 age group, in males and in African-Americans, Hispanics and Asian/Pacific Islanders. Even though these factors listed above cannot be changed, it is still important to be aware of them, so that you can recognize signs or symptoms of a stroke.  Talk to your doctor and make sure that he/she has a complete history of stroke in your family, as well as accurate details of your lifestyle. 

Next, we will discuss the symptoms of stroke.  This will include things to look for if you think you are having/had one or you think a loved one is having/had one.  We encourage everyone to please leave their comments or stories regarding stroke.  Have you or a loved one suffered a stroke?  What were your risk factors?