May is National Stroke Awareness Month. With the alarming cases of stroke in the United States, it is of high importance to raise the level of awareness on this condition and help every family know the warning signs, effects of stroke, and special needs of stroke survivors. Stroke is a serious health issue. It is critical to foster prevention by lowering the risk for stroke, and promote healthy living.

Impact

Stroke has affected 4 out of 5 American families, leaving a lasting impact physically, emotionally and financially. At present, stroke is costing America $68.9 billion in direct and indirect costs, according to the American Heart Association. This figure is estimated to increase to a whopping $2.2 trillion by the year 2050, based on a study by the University of Michigan Health System. This includes all aspects of treatment and recovery (ambulances, medications, hospital costs, doctor's visits, nursing care, home care), as well as lost earnings.

This is just the financial impact of stroke. The physical, psychological and emotional consequences of this condition to both patients and families are immeasurable. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long term disability in the United States. A person who survived a stroke may have paralysis on one side of the body, called hemiplegia. This is a common disability that results from stroke. Other survivors do not experience paralysis but weakness or numbness, a condition called hemiparesis. Strange sensations such as tingling and prickling may be felt in the hands and feet.

Patients may have trouble swallowing, speaking or understanding words. Speech therapy may be needed to correct these problems. Patients may also have concentration, awareness and memory difficulties. Judgment or decision –making skills are impaired in some cases.

Stroke may also lead to emotional problems. Many patients feel depressed and isolated as they find it difficult to perform some tasks at home and at work. Your loved ones may find it hard to accept the changes brought about by their condition. They may have frequent mood swings that carers and family members sometimes have difficulty understanding.

Caregiving families also have emotional problems of their own. They are anxious all the time, as they fear that their loved ones can have another attack. They also fear that their loved ones may be placed in a nursing facility, far from home. Other families are simply not prepared to face the challenges of stroke after care.

Prevention

Almost 5 million Americans have survived a stroke and 25% of these have a high chance of another stroke within five years. It is therefore important that caregiving families be equipped with information to prevent another attack. Eighty percent of all stroke cases can be prevented. Whether you or your loved one already had an attack or in perfect health, it is highly suggested that you review the list below. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

• Control blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure may lower risk of both stroke and heart diseases. Blood pressure monitoring is the key. Checking blood pressure is easy and fast, as blood pressure monitoring devices out in the market are easy to operate.

• Control cholesterol. Cholesterol is a lipid substance that can build up on the walls of blood vessels and interrupt blood flow, triggering stroke. Medications may be prescribed to lower high cholesterol levels. Prevention includes eating a nutritious diet, low in saturated fats and high in fiber.

• Manage diabetes. Have a regular check of your blood sugar level. Consult with your physician on the appropriate medications to lower high blood sugar levels.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Know if your weight is within acceptable limits by computing your body mass index or BMI. If you or your loved one is overweight, take immediate steps to start a regular exercise program and a healthy diet. Do not wait until such time that the weight is uncontrollable and drastic medical intervention is needed.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. A dietician may design a diet plan low in salt, sugar and cholesterol. Carbohydrates and fats are energy sources needed for daily activities. Carbohydrates can be found in breads, cereals, grains, potatoes and corn. Fats, particularly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are an important source of essential fatty acids that our body requires. They can be found in fish, nuts and vegetable oils.

• Regular physical activity. Exercising can be easy to some but not to others. Think of creative ways for you to enjoy exercise. You may start by walking with a pet or a friend. This may progress into more complex activities such as biking and swimming. If you or your loved one is aged 50 and over, consult with your physician before starting any exercise program.

• Quit smoking. Consult your doctor on ways to stop smoking. Your doctor may recommend a program tailored to your situation at hand, as cases vary from person to person.

• Moderate alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking is defined as drinking more than two drinks per day on the average for men, and more than one drink per day on the average for women. Around 5% of the total population in the United States are heavy drinkers and are at risk of not only stroke and heart diseases, but also liver disorders and injuries. Thus, sobriety is needed.