February 2017 - Safecare Medical Center

Getting a good night sleep is not only pleasant but also a great way to keep optimum health. Good sleeping patterns positively affect many health aspects of the human body, from organ health to mood and behavior. However, the demands of our busy lifestyles, health complications, and stress can take away from our shut eye time and the ongoing sleep deprivation can have negative short and long term effects on our overall health.

It is estimated that an adult should have between 7-9 hours of sleep each day. How many hours of sleep do you get on a regular basis?

A good night sleep will not only make you feel rested but will also provide you with benefits to carry you through the day and help you achieve your goals. Some of those benefits are:

Increase your cardiovascular health
Boost your happy mood
Sharpen your attention
Increase your memory
Help you control your weight when combined with good diet and exercise.
Increase your fitness ability.
Lower stress
Strengthens your immune system
Balances your hormones which boosts sexual drive
Helps keep your skin healthier

In other words, to get more done during the day and be fully present and truly productive and happy, make sure you get 7-9 hours sleep!

Strokes are brain attacks that occur when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted. Knowing how to spot a stroke can safe a life, as immediate action is required to avoid further brain damage or possible death.

According to the National Stroke Association, nearly 800,00 people experience a new or recurrent stroke every year, and 55,000 more women have a stroke than men. Stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer.

There are different types of strokes and many myths regarding the reasons why strokes happen. Becoming familiar with the symptoms, how to avoid strokes and the facts vs the myths regarding strokes are key for optimum brain and circulatory health.

During a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen, which in turn causes them to die. The abilities controlled by the area of the brain affected can become temporarily or permanently lost; how a person is limited after the event and the recovery process depends on which area of the brain and how much of it is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may have temporary and or minor problems in mobility and weakness, whereas people who have larger strokes may be permanently affected and in many cases with some form of disability.

Types of Strokes:

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a brain aneurysm burst or leakage of a weakened blood vessel. While the least common of the two types of stroke it most often results in death.

Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blood clot (ischemic) blocking blood flow through a vessel.

Transient Ischemic Attack (also known as TIA): This is a mini stroke that usually does not cause damage but it also serves as a warning sign that a major stroke may happen in the future.

Signs & Symptoms of Stroke:

Learn as many symptoms and signs of how a stroke happens so you can act FAST.

Weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Severe headache with no known cause

There are also many myths surrounding strokes. Understanding myths vs facts about stroke could help you make better health decisions for better stroke prevention:

Take preventative action to avoid stroke. Speak with your doctor about your risks and health concerns.

For more information about strokes, download the Explaining Stroke Brochure here courtesy of the National Stroke Association.

Archives for February 2017

Benefits of Sleep

Stroke

Our Medical Staff