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What is it?
A stroke affects the arteries of the central nervous system and stops the blood bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This kills brain cells and causes paralysis and speech difficulties commonly associated with stroke.
What are the effects
A stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or becomes clogged with a blood clot. As a result, part of the brain does not receive the flow of blood it needs and the affected brain cells start to die. For whatever part of the brain is damaged, there will be a parallel effect in the body. Speech, sight, hearing and the use of limbs can be affected. People who have had a stroke sometimes recover the lost functions because other parts of the brain take over.
What age group is most affected?
The older you get, the higher your blood pressure and the greater the risk of a stroke.
Who is it most likely to hit?
Some people are born with a higher risk of stroke. Others increase their risk through a poor lifestyle - smoking, drinking and eating fatty foods.
What are the symptoms?
1. Sudden weakness or numbness in your face, arm and leg on one side of the body.
2. Difficulty speaking and understanding what others are saying.
3. Loss of balance.
4. Confusion
5. Dizziness
Diet
Mono-unsaturated fats found in avocados, olive and canola-oil, pecan nuts, hazelnuts and peanuts are thought to lower cholesterol. Gradually reduce the amount of salt in your food. This is especially important if you have high blood pressure or someone in your family does. Eat high-fibre foods. Eat your greens. Fresh fruit and vegetables are great ammo.
Lifestyle
1. High blood pressure is a major risk. Have it tested. Especially if you're on steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs, are overweight or drink a fair amount. And don't trust pharmacy blood pressure machines; they're not always accurate.
2. If you don't know your cholesterol levels yet, go for a test this week. Cholesterol, a waxy, fatty substance that builds up in the blood, contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels. Your cholesterol value should be below five.
3. Don't smoke It makes your blood clot.
4. Don't get legless Binge drinking is never a good idea.
Fitness
To improve your cardiovascular fitness do something rhythmic and repetitive. Brisk walking is good enough. Jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing or rope jumping will also do the trick.