Stroke Warning Signs & Prevention Tips

A stroke is a very serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Strokes are a medical emergency, and need to be treated at a hospital as soon as possible. Quick medical treatment will reduce the risk of brain damage and other complications and increase the chance of survival. 

Knowing how to identify the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke can save someone’s life. In this article we’ll discuss the causes of a stroke, what the symptoms are and how to identify them, as well as stroke prevention tips.

Causes

There are two types of strokes, an ischemic stroke and a hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic strokes occur when the blood vessels in the brain become blocked or very narrow. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by blood vessels in the brain leaking or bursting. Both types of strokes can be life threatening and require immediate medical treatment. 

While certain lifestyle and medical factors, which we discuss below, can put you at a higher risk for having a stroke, it’s important to note that there’s no way to predict a stroke. They can happen to anyone at any time, so it’s very important to be able to identify the signs and get the person to the hospital as quickly as possible. 

Symptoms

The medical community has a mnemonic device used to identify the signs of a stroke: F.A.S.T. It also helps you remember that acting fast is the key to preventing death or long-term damage when someone is having a stroke. 

F – Face. If you notice someone’s face is drooping on one side, or if one side of their face appears to be frozen, they may be having a stroke. Ask them to smile and if only one side of their face moves, or if they have difficulty smiling, call 911. 

A – Arms. When someone is having a stroke, a common symptom is weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask them to lift both arms over their head and hold them up for a few seconds. 

S – Speech. Slurred and garbled speech is a very common stroke symptom. The person may be trying to speak but their words come out as something totally incomprehensible, or they may not be able to understand what anyone is saying to them. 

T – Time. As mentioned earlier, acting fast is critical when someone is having a stroke. If you observe any of the above symptoms please call 911 immediately. The faster the person receives medical treatment, the less likely they are to suffer long-term brain damage and other complications. 

Prevention

There are several lifestyle factors that can help decrease your chances of suffering from a stroke:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Regular physical activity, including low-impact activity like walking or swimming
• Avoid heavy drinking and drugs
• Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke

Certain medical factors can put you at a higher risk for a stroke:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Heart disease
• Family history of strokes

If you think you may be at risk based on the information above, please speak with your doctor and discuss how you can mitigate your risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, drinking an adequate amount of water, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol are all helpful in preventing a stroke, as well as a range of other medical conditions. 

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/stroke-warning-signs-prevention-tips/

What are the Signs of Dehydration in Seniors?

Do you drink enough water on a daily basis? What about your elderly loved ones? Many of us don’t! And because we lead busy lives and have dozens of things to worry about on a daily basis, we often forget to hydrate properly. When you’re younger you can sometimes get away with not drinking enough water every day, but seniors are at a greater risk of dehydration for several reasons:

• They’re less sensitive to feeling thirsty
• Their kidneys are less efficient, meaning their urine contains more water
• Their ability to keep balanced fluid levels is decreased
• They’re often on certain medications that can dehydrate them more quickly

So what are the signs of dehydration in seniors? What should you be watching out for? Here are some of the mild and more severe symptoms of dehydration in seniors, to help you ensure your elderly loved ones are properly hydrated.

Mild symptoms of dehydration

• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Feeling weak
• Sleepiness
• Muscle cramps

While these symptoms sound general and can also be signs of something else, if your elderly loved one experiences any of these symptoms, ask them how much water they’re consuming on a daily basis. If they don’t know or can’t remember, monitor their water intake over the next few days to ensure they’re drinking enough, and see if any of their symptoms are alleviated. 

Severe symptoms of dehydration

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking
• Severe cramps and muscle contractions
• Low blood pressure
• Bloated stomach
• Sunken eyes
• Breathing more quickly than normal

If you notice your loved one experiencing any of the above symptoms, give them a big glass of water and contact their doctor immediately. Dehydration can cause a range of serious health problems for seniors, including seizures, heat stroke, kidney complications, and fainting.

How much water does my elderly loved one need?

The best way to find out how much water your loved one needs on a daily basis is to speak with their doctor. Certain factors will impact their daily water intake. For example, seniors who live in hot climates will need more water than those who live in cooler climates, and seniors who are on particular medications may need to adjust their water intake due to medication side effects. 

Benefits of being properly hydrated

Seniors who have an adequate daily water intake are less likely to be constipated, less likely to have a fall, and are at a reduced risk for urinary tract infections. All of these things can be very harmful for older adults, so staying well hydrated is essential as we age. Proper hydration also improves brain performance, boosts energy, and encourages healthy metabolism function. 

If you find that your elderly loved one has trouble remembering to drink enough water on a daily basis, some people find that setting alarms throughout the day serves as a good reminder. You can also turn it into a family game where everyone encourages one another, and you can buy your senior loved one a large water bottle with measurements on it so they know exactly how much they’re drinking. 

If you have any questions, or would like more information about signs of dehydration in seniors and how to prevent it, please contact our team at UMC today. We look forward to hearing from you.

Original content posted on https://umcommunities.org/blog/what-are-the-signs-of-dehydration-in-seniors/