Tuesday, September 13, 2022

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 - STROKES CONTINUED

 SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 - STROKES CONTINUED


Two days ago, I started looking at strokes.  A friend’s husband had a stroke and now doesn’t do much.  She wrote “He cannot drive, cannot stride, cannot sing or dance. Stays in the quiet of home, in the captivity of stroke which changes everything. Everything.”


That prompted me to write about strokes this week.  I knew only a little about strokes so this is a learning experience for me.  


I’ve been using this reference:

The article I am using lists ten causes of strokes.

https://facty.com/ailments/stroke/10-causes-of-a-stroke/


Continuing the list, #6 is Bad Cholesterol Levels.  


The article says, “Much medical evidence supports the link between high levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy fat that the body produces naturally and also absorbs from foods such as eggs, meat, and dairy products. Diets high in saturated fats increase the amount of unhealthy cholesterol the body absorbs. If this cholesterol builds up on the artery walls, it can increase the risk of stroke.”.  


Oh My!!!  About a year ago I adopted butter as a good thing.  


WebMD says, “In moderation, butter can be a healthy part of your diet. It’s rich in nutrients like bone-building calcium and contains compounds linked to lower chances of obesity. Butter can also be part of a low-carbohydrate diet, which may help people better maintain their weight or lose weight quicker than they would with a low-fat diet.

Butter has other health benefits:

It can help lower your chances of cancer.
It could help your eyes. It can help make your skin healthier. “


But, in the same article, “Butter is high in calories and fat — including saturated fat, which is linked to heart disease. Use this ingredient sparingly, especially if you have heart disease or are looking to cut back on calories.”


Generally, my cholesterol levels are very good, but they have been creeping up.  Time to rethink butter.  (As I wrote that line, my brain was screaming “NO, KEEP THE BUTTER”!!!)


***

POOR DIET

Number seven on the list from the American Heart Association of stroke issues is a poor diet.  I am on the fence here - I avoid most sugar, white flour, and bread, fatty foods - yeah!!!  But, I don’t eat enough vegetables and fruits.  (Excuse me, I just got slapped across my face - go get some fruits and vegetables, Karen)!!!


LACK OF EXERCISE


Getting exercise is good, but lack of exercise is bad.  That is In terms of strokes, good health, positive attitudes, and more!!!  If there is a balance sheet for avoiding strokes, in this area I’m generally pretty good.  I’ve been walking about five miles most every day and some days more!!!


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OBESITY


Maintaining a healthy weight is an essential factor for general good health. Obesity is one of the leading causes of stroke. Today in the United States, almost 70% of adults are overweight or have obesity. Treating the condition through healthy weight loss techniques can reduce the risk of stroke. Diet, exercise, improving sleep, and stress management can help reduce weight, and doctors and nutritionists can recommend other methods -- such as surgery -- for people with severe obesity.


It seems as if I am always fighting this area.  At the current time, I’m basically happy with my weight.  My body mass index (BMI) is slightly high - but not bad.  I need to keep watching my weight!!


***

And, finally, the number ten method to avoid a stroke (and many other health conditions) - don’t smoke - or stop smoking!!! 


*****

I have seen strokes as a friend.  In the case that I started with on Monday, my friend’s husband had a stroke and it changed their whole life and their whole relationship.  



*****

Overall, strokes are largely preventable by controlling blood pressure and doing healthy activities.  If I can do it, so can you!!!


Tomorrow, I’ll write about detecting a stroke and how rapid measures can make a difference.


LOVE WINS

Love can help control stress and depression, and if I love myself, (which I do), I need to take care of my body!!!  


Karen White, September 14, 2022, © 


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