Knowing the Warning Signs of a Stroke Could be the Best Prevention

We can NEVER hear this reminder too often!!

Here is an article from caregiver.org, reminding us of stroke warning signs.:

Stroke is our nations #3 killer and our best defense is to recognize the warning signs. It is possible to decrease your chances of having a stroke through education and a healthy lifestyle. Your brain needs blood, oxygen, and nutrients to function. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that feeds the brain these vital elements becomes clogged or bursts. That part of the brain is damaged and will not work, along with the part of the body it controls. Transient ischemic attacks, or TIA’s occur before the onset of a major stroke. They are considered to be a ‘warning stroke’. TIA’s happen when a blood clot clogs an artery for a short time. The signs of a stroke and TIA are similar; the difference is TIA’s usually last only a few minutes.

What are the warning signs of stroke or TIA? You may have some or all of these symptoms:

Unable to feel one side of the face or body

Sudden weakness in an arm, hand, or leg

Confusion

Trouble speaking

Dizziness or loss of balance

Sudden onset of a terribly painful headache

Unable to see out of one eye or double vision

If we as caregivers recognize these warning signs and take action quickly, we could save the life of the person we are caring for or prevent a bad stroke.

A healthy lifestyle is important in possible stroke prevention, which means reducing the known factors. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease and smoking are major causes of stroke.

High blood pressure can be reduced by:

Loosing weight if it is necessary

Eating a healthy diet low in salt and fat

Becoming more active

Limiting alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks per day

Taking medicine the way it is prescribed by your doctor

Heart and blood vessel problems develop when arteries that feed blood to the heart and brain slowly become clogged with a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol. When the blood cannot get through, you could have a heart attack or stroke.

Heart disease may be prevented by:

Stopping smoking

Lowering your blood pressure

Eating a healthy diet

Being physically active

Getting regular medical checkups

Quitting smoking will dramatically reduce your risk of having a stroke. Although it is difficult, there are measures to help cope with the stress of not smoking. You can write down the reasons why you quit and look at the list often. You may also want to go places where there is no smoking allowed. For more information, contact the American Heart Association for tips on how to quit smoking.

A healthy diet and regular exercise program help reduce chances of an attack also. As caregivers, knowing the warning signs and encouraging a healthy lifestyle is the best armor in the battle to save our care recipients—and ourselves--from having a major stroke.

The New 'Female Problem'

Here is a helpful article about the realities of caregiving for the working woman By Patricia Grace

In the halls of the nation’s businesses, the hushed whispers which were once reserved for gossip and Monday morning quarterbacking now echo the despair stressed out women are feeling in their role as caregivers. While men do represent a growing percentage of today’s caregivers, the role is still largely filled by women. In what could be considered the new “female problem” in the workplace, male management does not have the tools to adequately discuss and remedy this female ailment.

Caregiver Stress Defined

An individual’s face may not readily give away clues that they are suffering from caregiver stress, but a quick look at their employee attendance record will reveal absenteeism due to their work as a caregiver for an aging loved one. The fact that this individual has a higher utilization of the healthcare benefits and increased prescription plan participation for stress-related disorders may also warrant their classification as a caregiver.

Stressed out caregivers are susceptible to a whole host of problems as their immune system becomes compromised under the weight and associated guilt of caregiving. Migraine headaches and GI disorders are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact caregiver stress has on individuals. Caregivers overwhelmed by stress are also highly susceptible to depression. Individuals need to learn to recognize when their caregiving duties are getting the best of them. Identifying community resources that offer services to caregivers and their loved ones can be just the prescription needed to bounce back.

Businesses and the overall economy are negatively impacted by caregivers who are emotionally drained by the burden of their role. The financial component of caregiver stress is far more reaching than that individual’s wallet. The trickle down effect of the disorder hurts all of our pockets as it robs employers of nearly $ 33.6 billion.

The Role of a Geriatric Care Manager

A GCM is a professional with expertise in geriatric or aging issues. They are a local resource with firsthand knowledge of the services available in your community. Boomers living at a great distance who are concerned if their parent is safe in their own home can avail themselves of geriatric care management services for peace of mind with ease. Often the task of navigating the maze of senior housing and financial options associated with eldercare can put a strain on the parent-child relationship. A GCM can bridge the gap and facilitate discussion that leads to decision-making.

Geriatric care managers can assess, facilitate and coordinate placement while providing family members the education they need to make informed decisions. This education not only gives individuals a better understanding of the process, but it enables them to overcome the guilt and stress they may be carrying. Professional geriatric care managers consult with the family members and take into consideration their psycho-social and clinical needs, financial concerns and geographical desires.

Focus on Funding

Gaining an understanding of the finances associated with eldercare can cause a caregiver’s stress to reach an all- time high level. Working with a geriatric care manager can put the funding solution you were looking for right at your fingertips. Aging specialists are experts on the VA Aid and Attendance bill as well as astute in Medicare and Medicaid issues. Certified geriatric care managers can dispel any funding myth you may have heard and give you an indication of your eligibility for assistance.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patricia Grace is founder and president of the geriatric care management company, Aging with Grace. She has over 15 years experience in the senior health field. She can be reached at www.agingwithgrace.net 1-800-626-9440