Stroke is the cutting
off of the vital blood and oxygen supply to the brain cells. The brain
controls everything we do. The new
term we call a stroke to suggest urgency
is:
a.
"Heart Attack"
b.
"Brain Attack"
c.
"Lung Clot"
A. Brain Attack is the new
term for stroke that gives it the same priority as "heart attack." When you
go to the Emergency Room with a Stroke you will be seen very quickly. You
must tell them you think you are having a Stroke.
Q.
Someone in the United
States suffers a stroke every:
a.
40 to 45 seconds
b.
Every day
c.
Every week
A. A
new stroke occurs every 40 to 45 seconds in the United States.
Q.
What part
of the body is injured in a stroke?
a.
Heart
b.
Kidney
c.
Brain
A. A stroke occurs in
the brain.
Q.
Definite signs of a stroke can include all EXCEPT:
a.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
b.
Difficulty with
speech, double vision, seizure, confusion
c.
Chest Pain, Palpations, Heart
racing
A. Chest pain, palpations and racing of the heart are signs of a
heart attack, not stroke. Remember the ACT F.A.S.T. logo for the signs of a
stroke: Face: facial droop, uneven smile Arm: Arm numbness, Arm weakness
Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or under standing Time: Time to
Call 911 and get to a stroke center immediately
Q.
If you see someone whom
you think is having a stroke, you should:
a.
Wait one hour and see the signs go
away
b.
ACT FAST: Call 911 immediately. Don’t delay.
c.
Relax, have the victim
relax and make an appointment with the doctor
A. If you think someone is
having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Every minute of the stroke, more
brain cells are dying.
Q.
Smoking doubles the risk for smoke. If you smoke
you should:
a.
Stop immediately, seek help from a doctor if needed
b.
Slowly cut
back on your amount of smoking
c.
Smoke but not inhale
A. If you smoke you
should stop immediately. When you stop smoking your risk for stroke will
immediately begin to decrease.
Q.
All of the following will help you lead a
healthier life style EXCEPT:
a.
Exercise daily
b.
Eat healthy, watch your weight
c.
Get stress relief to lower your blood pressure by having a few drinks at the
bar
A. You should not think that relieving stress by drinking would lower
you blood pressure and lessen your risk factor. Studies are in progress that
shows one drink may be helpful but if you are on other medications alcohol
may not mix with these medications. Talk with your doctor.
Q.
High Blood
Pressure / Hypertension is a "Silent Killer." You can have high blood
pressure/hypertension for 10 years before you know you have it. It should be
checked by a doctor at least:
a.
Every five years
b.
At least once a year more
frequent if you are having medical problems
c.
Only if you are feeling very ill
A. Blood Pressure should be checked at least once a year – more often if you
have a history of high blood pressure, a previous heart attack, and stroke
or are diabetic, have kidney disease, high cholesterol or are overweight.
Q.
Which of the blood pressures below is considered to be in the normal range
(based on American Stroke Association standards)?
a.
140/94
b.
120/68
c.
180/110
A.
Pressure over 140/90 is considered hypertension by the American Stroke
Association and should have medical attention.
Q.
The population that has
the highest risk of a stroke are:
a.
African Americans
b.
Caucasians
c.
Spanish
A. African Americans have nearly twice the risk of stroke
Additional Information...
Stroke Education for the Community
A Stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (called ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Injury to the brain occurs.
A stroke, often referred to as a "brain attack," is a serious medical emergency.
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or "Mini Stroke" is a very serious warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. The symptoms are temporary, may last a few minutes or a few hours and then disappear. Seek medical attention immediately. Taking action can save your life.
Be "Stroke Smart" And Know the Signs of a Stroke:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Act in time!
Stroke is an emergency. Don’t delay. If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke – call 911 immediately.
Stroke Prevention/Preventing A Reoccurring Stroke
Personal risk factors for stroke may include but are not limited to:
High Blood Pressure-Control it!
High Cholesterol-Control it!
Diabetes-Manage it!
Smoking-Quit!
Overweight-Lose it!
Eat healthy!
Physical Inactivity-Get active!
Excessive Alcohol consumption-Stop!
Carotid Artery Stenosis-Talk with your doctor.
Atrial Fibrillation-Talk with your doctor.
Talk with your nurse/physician about which risk factors you have and how you can control them. Remember a stroke can happen again. Work with your doctors and prevent it!
If you smoke, you must stop now. Talk with your doctor or nurse about how to quit.
Stroke Help
References used for above information:
