Entry One GrandCare Stroke Informational Series powered by RTH Foundation

Welcome to GrandCare’s Stroke Awareness Series featuring information provided by the RTH Stroke Foundation: rthfoundation.org

We will continue our stroke awareness series by showcasing facts, prevention methods and ways that GrandCare digital health technology can mitigate risks associated with stroke

Monitor & Control your Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Diabetes & Lifestyle

Use GrandCare technology to automatically track and record your blood pressure, weight, pulse ox and/or gluocse readings AND provide it remotely to a dedicated family member, caregiving or healthcare provider.  

According to the RTH Foundation, taking these simple precautions can help mitigate the risk of potential stroke.  RTH also recommends a healthy diet, regular exercise and adhering to medications described by your doctor.  GrandCare can provide informational tools, provide a socialization resource for family members to check in, and a remote, online medication scheduling and reminder platform.  GrandCare also provides the opportunity for a family member to video chat into the GrandCare System and observe if a loved one may need added support or assistance.

 

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What Can You Do About Stroke?  

By RTH Stroke Foundation

“Today stroke is the Number 4 cause of death, and the leading cause of adult disability in the U.S. Each year in this country people suffer 795,000 strokes, 610,000 of which are first strokes. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.

Strokes, sometimes called “brain attacks,” occur because of a sudden failure of the brain to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to thrive. This can happen for either of two reasons: a vessel leading the brain is blocked or a vessel in the brain ruptures.

Here’s the really good news. Experts say that fully 80% of all strokes are preventable.   Eighty per cent! Think about that. If you buy a lottery ticket, your odds of winning the big one are as tiny as 1 in 127 million against you.  But if you control your risk factors, the odds of avoiding a stroke are 8 to 10 in your favor.  So why would you not do that?

Here are some risk factors you can control:

Blood Pressure. If your blood pressure is regularly about 120/80, it’s in great shape.  If it’s regularly above 140/90, you’ve got a problem and should see your doctor to find out what to do about it. Diet, exercise and medication can help,

High Cholesterol.  Every body needs cholesterol, but too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can clog arteries and lead to a stroke or heart attack.  In addition to having an overall cholesterol reading of less that 200, you should have an HDL (good cholesterol) reading above 40, and an LDL (bad cholesterol) reading of less than 100. The best defense is a diet high in grains, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fat.  In addition, your doctor can prescribe medications that can help lower your cholesterol.

Diabetes. If you’re a Type 2  diabetic keeping your blood glucose level in the low 100’s is essential.  Weight loss alone can accomplish this in many people.  Doctors can also prescribe medication.

Controllable lifestyle factors. Maintain an anti-stroke lifestyle: a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking, little or no alcohol and using any medication your doctor prescribes.

While there are some risk factors you can’t control — age, gender, race, prior heart attack, and family history of stroke — there is much you can do to switch the odds in your favor.

Diagnosing Stroke on the Spot

Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. If you can recognize the symptoms of stroke and act immediately, you may help to limit the disabilities the person will incur and you may even save that person’s life.

If you are in the presence of someone who is exhibiting symptoms of stroke, use the FAST method to do a layperson’s diagnosis.

Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as, “Most grass is green.” Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

Time. If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 — immediately.

If you want more information about stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment or support groups, contact the RTH Stroke Foundation in Laguna Hills.   Phone: (888) 794-9466. www.rthfoundation.org  Their sole purpose is to wipe out stroke.  Their seminars, support groups, and screenings are all free.”

The above blog was borrowed with permission from the RTH Stroke Foundation: http://rthfoundation.org/