Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/716550
HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT STROKE? Stroke of Insight A STROKE, OR brain attack, occurs when something interrupts the blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die within a matter of minutes due to lack of oxygen. Roughly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke each year, and for each of them, immediate action is essential to preserve mental and physical function and quality of life. The good news is that the risk of stroke can often be greatly reduced by embracing healthier habits. KNOW YOUR RISK Some risk factors for stroke, such as age, cannot be controlled. Other risk factors can. These include conditions like high blood pressure, which can be controlled through medication, and lifestyle-related risk factors, such as diet and exercise. "While a stroke can happen to anyone, people who smoke or fail to manage their diabetes raise their risk," says Internist Rakesh Patel, MD, KishHealth System Physician Group DeKalb, now part of Northwestern Medicine. "These are factors that can be controlled through lifestyle changes." Ask your primary care physician to assess your personal risk factors for stroke and make recommendations about healthy lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE In addition to learning ways to minimize your own risk, learn how to recognize the signs of a possible stroke and ways to respond appropriately. Common symptoms of stroke include any of the following, especially sudden appearances of: � Confusion or trouble communicating � Difficulty walking � Dizziness or loss of balance � Headache � Numbness or weakness in an arm, leg, or in the face— particularly on one side of the body � Vision trouble "The most important thing I can stress when it comes to stroke is timing," Dr. Patel says. "Do not delay seeking treatment or wait to make an appointment. Act F.A.S.T. andcall 9-1-1 just as you would in the event of a possible heart attack." Do you know your personal risk factors for stroke? Find a KPG Internal Medicine specialist at kpgcares.org. Suspect a Stroke? Act F.A.S.T.! Face—Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arms—Ask the person to hold up both arms evenly. Does one arm hang below the other? Speech—Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the response slurred or jumbled? Time—If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. 2 CANCER CENTER OUR MISSION WELLNESS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. We are the cornerstone of healthcare for the communities we serve—the first choice for service, comfort, and safety. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org.