Page 13 - Seniors Today - Oct 2019

It is very important to prevent a stroke from
happening as not only the patient incapacitated
but also the family and caregivers as a lot of
support is required.
The key points in preventing a stroke are:
Blood pressure - Monitor your blood pressure;
this is a silent killer that quietly damages blood
vessels and leads to serious health problems.
Cholesterol - Control your cholesterol; the ideal
level is 150 mg/dl.
Weight Loss - Lose weight if you need to. Get
active and exercise daily – brisk walk and
swimming are the simplest and best.
Smoking - If you smoke, you should stop, as
smoking doubles the risk of stroke.
Drinking - if you drink alcohol, do so in
moderation. Heavy drinking can increase your
risk of stroke.
Diabetes - Diabetes increases the risk of stroke.
Look at your diet, and increase vegetable and
fruits component, as this will help manage
Blocked artery in brain with mechanical thrombectomy - diabetes.
Angiogram shows narrowed vessel
Salt - Cut down on sodium intake.
•Activities of daily living such as eating, Atrial fibrillation - Find out if you have atrial
bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing - fibrillation, a condition where the heartbeat is
occupational therapy. irregular, that can lead to blood clots and cause
•Mobility, getting from bed to chair, walking, embolic stroke. A simple examination of your
climbing stairs or using a wheelchair - physical pulse and ECG will detect atrial fibrillation.
therapy. Transient ischemic attack
•Communication skills in speech and language
speech therapist.
•Cognitive skills such as memory or problem
solving.
•Social skills such as interacting with other
people.
•Recreation skills, skills enjoyed before stroke,
as well as introducing new ones.
•Vocational rehabilitation evaluates your work-
related abilities and helps you make the most of
your skills when you return to work.
•Psychological functioning to improve
coping skills and treatment and to overcome
depression.
Rehabilitation is part-recovery, part-learning,
essentially to adapt for deficits that may not
fully recover. Adaptive strategies are the new
normal!
Steps to prevent a stroke

SENIORS TODAY | Volume 1 | Issue 4
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