Dear Reader:

In the Case of Stroke, Every Second Counts

After hearing that a young, vibrant friend of ours had suffered a stroke, I was reminded of just how important it is for us to recognize the signs of an impending stroke, or that you may be actually having a stroke. She knew that there was something very seriously wrong with her as she was feeling dizzy, (one of several stroke indicators), she felt disoriented, another strong indicator that one might be suffering a stroke, and she had been having headaches for some time leading up to the other events that signaled stroke.

Her next move was both dicey and critical to her survival – she drove herself to the emergency room. How she got there may be a point of debate, but the important thing is that she recognized the need for immediate medical care. Another key factor is that she didn’t deny her condition, something that many do rather than accept that there is a problem. We wait to see if the prevailing conditions subside, or that we feel better and if there is the slightest bit of improvement in our condition, we move on with our day as if nothing has happened. We are, sadly, in denial.

We can no longer afford, not that we ever could, to ignore health alarms. Today, more than ever, we know more about the signs and symptoms. We know more about those illnesses and diseases that plague us and doctors do have the technology to address our conditions and often times, provide a remedy for them.

We must put ourselves in position to receive the necessary care, so our first course of action must be to take action. We must, when the signs are present, react affirmatively and with a sense of urgency. That means seek medical attention immediately. In the case of a stroke, every second counts.

Fortunately our friend is fine. She was with us recently telling us her story. Now she has committed herself to doing the things that may help her avoid any future strokes. But it was knowing the warning signs that helped pull her through.

Do you know the warning signs of stroke?

Here they are:
•    Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
•    Confusion or trouble understanding other people
•    Trouble speaking
•    Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
•    Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated
•    Dizziness
•    Severe headache that comes on for no known reason

Don't ignore stroke warning signs - even if you have just one or if symptoms are mild or go away.

More health information is available at Brain Brawn & Body. I invite you to read, learn, enjoy!

Eric Von

Publisher/Editor