Stop stroke in its tracks

Severe and unusual headache, new problems with speaking and sudden numbness on one side of your body?

If you ever experience any of these symptoms then call for emergency medical assistance immediately because you may have just suffered a stroke.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some valuable information on stroke.

Approximately 60 stroke related deaths occur in South Africa every day - that is 21 900 a year. However, this high number does not have to mean bad news for everyone who suffers a stroke. In fact, the recovery rate is excellent and by taking the right action quickly there is no reason why a stroke victim cannot continue to live a happy and fulfilling life after the event.

There are two types of strokes, namely ischemic and hemorrhagic. Around 87% of all strokes are ischemic. When a person suffers an ischemic stroke it means that a clot has blocked a blood vessel supplying blood to a certain part of the brain, so the brain cells in that area start to die.  The brain damage that this causes can result in a number of symptoms, some of which may make everyday life very difficult, including:

• Sudden numbness, paralysis or weakness in the face, arm and/or leg on one side of the body only
• New problems with walking and/or balance
• Sudden change in vision
• Lack of control over the mouth resulting in drooling and/or slurred speech
• New problems with speaking and/or understanding simple statements; confusion
• Sudden and severe headache unlike any headaches experienced in the past

The less common hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain that leads to increased pressure on certain parts of the brain. This typically results in severe headache, stiffness in the neck, nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion, dizziness, seizures and sometimes even unconsciousness.

Stroke symptoms can occur suddenly or progressively depending on the cause of the stroke. However, it is always best to act fast when apparent stroke symptoms start to set in. If you or anyone around you is displaying any of the above severe symptoms call emergency services immediately. The sooner medical intervention takes place the greater the chances of survival and brain function recovery. It can be difficult to identify the signs of stroke as they may be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses or old age. However, it is better to be cautious and save a life than to wait until it may be too late.
While it is possible to stop and in some cases even reverse a stroke, it is best to try and prevent it from happening at all. Most stroke sufferers also have some form of heart disease, so by living a healthy lifestyle you can kill two birds with one stone and protect yourself from both heart disease and strokes.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa has created the following quiz to help you start reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke:

1. Do you smoke?
2. Are you overweight?
3. Do you exercise LESS than three times for thirty minutes per session every week?
4. Do you have a high cholesterol reading?
5. Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
6. Do you have a family history of heart disease or stroke?
7. Do you have a family history of diabetes?
8. Does stress seem to overwhelm you?
9. Do you eat takeaway foods at least once a week?
10. Is your diet high in animal fats?
11. Do you eat the fat on meat and chicken skin?
12. Do you usually eat fried foods?
13. Do you eat less than five portions of fruit and vegetables?
14. Does your dinner plate usually consist of meat and potatoes?

The more times you answered "yes" to the above questions, the higher your risk of heart disease and stroke. However, by making better choices about the way you live you could save your life. Start now by cutting down on fatty foods, eating plenty of leafy green vegetables, drinking more water and doing regular exercise. It is also important to visit the doctor and have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked.

Take part in celebrating National Stroke Week this year, 13 - 17 September, by making others aware of the symptoms of stroke and telling them to call emergency services as soon as they recognise any of the symptoms. It is also a good opportunity for you to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and to encourage others to do the same. Get involved in making the nation healthier - you may just save your own life or the life of someone you love.

For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

References:

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa - www.hearttfoundation.co.za
The American Stroke Association - www.strokeassociation.org
WebMD - www.webmd.com