General Article

How to Identify a Stroke – 4 Things to Check

How can you tell if someone has had a stroke? It can be very difficult to tell just by looking at them unless you know what to look for, because many times they may seem to have just had a dizzy spell or tripped and fallen and immediately afterward seem just fine.

5 years ago my wife and I owned a small appliance and vacuum store, one day one of our regular customers came in to do business and chit chat a bit. As she was leaving she turned around to say one more thing, and without any warning whatsoever fell straight back and hit her head on the floor as if she had simply fainted.

My wife immediately called for an ambulance, while I insisted that the customer stay down until the paramedics arrived.

Although at the time our customer felt fine and wanted to get up and go home, and was a bit upset that we had called an ambulance, she came in a few days later to thank us for what we had done.

As it turned out, by the time the paramedics arrived at the hospital they had determined that she had suffered a stroke, and because she received medical attention so quickly, there were no lasting effects.

Although some stroke victims don’t die, they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE

Here are four ways a bystander can recognize a stroke:

1.) See if the person is able to smile.

2.) Ask them to speak a simple sentence such as (It is a beautiful day today.)

3.) Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue.. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

4.) See if they are able to raise both arms at the same time.

If they appear to have any difficulty with one or all of these tasks, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Doctors say that if they can tend to a stroke victim within 3 hours there is a good chance they can totally reverse the effects of a stroke. They say the key is getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medical attention as soon as possible.…

Reduce High Cholesterol – Why All the Concern?

High cholesterol–so why all the concern? It only becomes damaging if there’s too much of it in the body. The body doesn’t need much to do the job. The liver naturally produces all the body needs. Excess cholesterol in the body usually stems from a diet high in saturated fats. It is deposited on blood vessel walls as a thick plaque. And over time, this plaque causes blood vessels to narrow so that less blood reaches the heart muscle, which could result in a heart attack or stroke.

But despite its association with cardiovascular disease, it is essential to the body’s good health. It’s used to make Vitamin D; cell membranes; the sheaths around nerves; bile, which is used to digest fats; and hormones, including estrogen and cortisol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that circulates through the body attached to substances called lipoproteins. There are two types: High-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol) gathers cholesterol and returns it to the liver so it can be eliminated from the body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) allows fatty plague to linger in the bloodstream where it can build up deposits on artery walls, which increases the risk for heart disease.

Fortunately, it’s a risk you can control in part by eating plenty of low-fat, high-fiber, cholesterol-lowering fruits and vegetables.

So, picking freely from the produce and bread aisles helps you lower cholesterol for several reasons:

1. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have little or no fat, so a diet rich in these foods is unlikely to deliver excessive cholesterol to your blood.

2. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have fiber, a powerful dietary weapon that comes in two forms. Insoluble fiber (or roughage) resists digestion, so it speeds food through your system. Soluble fiber is a gummy substance that dissolves in your blood. While both types are helpful, soluble fiber gets extra credit for helping to regulate production and elimination of cholesterol. Foods that provide the highest levels of soluble fiber include chewy grains (barley, oats, and oat bran), crunchy vegetables (broccoli, carrots), and juicy fruits (grapes).

3. Also, many fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C and beta-carotene, which help guard against fat buildup in the blood.

Although ample amounts of foods like oatmeal, apricots, and spinach can help you win the fight against high cholesterol, you should also limit foods high in dietary cholesterol and saturated fats, because these foods can raise cholesterol in the blood. Eat sparing amounts of fatty, highly marbled meats and processed cold cuts, whole dairy products, and saturated fat sources–such as butter, palm oil, and coconut oil–often used in backed goods. Choose lean cuts of beef, chicken, or pork; low-fat milk and yogurt; and olive oil.

While diet is key, it’s not the only way to alter cholesterol levels. By losing weight when needed, even as little as 5 to 10 pounds, you can lower total cholesterol, reduce LDL and raise …

The Female Menopause Can Be Brought Forward Unhealthily

Generally speaking, women will enter menopause when they are about 55 years old. However, the symptoms of menopause have already taken place among women who are only 40 years old. In fact, the female menopause can be unhealthily brought forward by three reasons.

First, the premature senility of ovarian functions can shift the menopause to an earlier date. The formation of menopause keeps a close relationship with the ovarian functions. When the egg cells are discharged completely, the ovarian functions will become senile. If the egg cells are discharged prematurely, the functional premature senility will be caused. According to the experts, the exceptional ovarian functions will cause various symptoms, such as inordinate menstruation and decreasing physical constitution. If these symptoms occur, women should go to hospital in time. Some women do not deal with the abnormal symptoms in time, serious diseases and even menolipsis can be finally caused. Menolipsis can even affect the pregnancy. Therefore, it is not wise to defer the treatment of female illness. Women without obvious diseases can also go to hospital for check regularly to prevent possible dangers.

Second, the high pressure in life and psychological imbalance can bring the menopause forward. The high pressure in life and work can seriously affect the internal secretion of the human body, which can cause various symptoms of menopause, such as insomnia and weariness. Thus, the premature senility of ovarian functions can also be caused. Therefore, it is necessary for women to learn correct ways to adjust the mental balance. Women should relax themselves and keep optimistic in everyday life.

Third, the menopause can be advanced if women always reduce the weight of their bodies unhealthily. According to the research, women will enter the menopause prematurely if they lose weight excessively in daily life. In order to lose weight, many women decrease the intake of foods when they have dinner. One direct result is that various essential nutrients like vitamin E can not be supplemented in time. Thus, the aging of internal organs will be advanced to accelerate menopause. Therefore, women should not lose weight excessively. At the same time, women should maintain adequate sleep and take moderate exercises so as to improve the inner blood circulation and accelerate the stability of the nervous system. The balanced diet is also necessary. In addition, women can increase the intake of soybean products so as to prevent various symptoms of menopause, adjust the menstruation and defer the aging of skin.…

Heart Stroke Treatment

Heart strokes happens when a blood vessel located in the brain gets blocked or it bursts. The part of the brain where it is located can’t work properly and without blood or oxygen, that part of the brain begins to die. It’s important to know how to follow up with treatment after suffering from a stroke because it can limit the damage that is sustained to the brain and gives you a better chance at a full recovery.

In efforts to treat a person who has suffered from a stroke, the drug Alteplase could be used to dissolve the blood that is causing the stroke. The earlier this drug is given to the patient, the better. It is given directly into the vein. It was approved in 1996 to be used on stroke victims.

Aspirin and Heparin are used to thin the blood in stoke victims hoping to improve the ischemic stroke victims recovery. It thins the blood making it easier to flow through the veins and less likely to cause another blood clot when the stroke is an ischemic stroke. In some patients, it has been noted that aspirin given after a stroke does have a small effect on recovery.

Catotid endarterectomy is a surgery that removes the fatty buildup that’s in a neck artery that supplies oxygen with blood in it to the brain. This procedure can help stroke victims but can’t be completed until six weeks after the stroke has occurred. It can also be used in preventing a stroke in a person who already has a fatty buildup that could possibly cause a stroke.

A treatment that is out there but not available in all hospitals is cerebral angioplasty. This is because it is still considered an experimental technique.  It uses balloons, coils, and stents to treat diseases in coronary arteries. Although the technique is very promising, as of today it is still considered experimental.

When treating a stroke victim, it is important to be very supportive and patient. A stroke is a very scary thing, especially since it is the most popular cause of long-term disability in the USA. There is a multitude of mental and physical challenges placed on the victim, which is why there are so many different types of treatment to be explored. Talking to your doctor and choosing the proper procedures or treatments will give anyone who has suffered a stroke the best chance at recovery.…

Benefits of Army Head Gear For Soldiers and Civilians

You don’t have to be in the army to enjoy some of their gear. However, finding a local shop can be difficult. Thanks to the internet we are able to purchase army surplus items quickly and easily. One of the more common items is army head gear.

Army head gear plays a large role out in the field. One benefit is that it can protect you against the sun. If you have never been a victim of heat stroke then you are a lucky person. Heat stroke affects most of us at one point or another. By wearing a hat and drinking fluids you can help protect yourself against sun stroke. This condition can be fatal so it should not be joked around with.

Another benefit of army head gear is that is protects you from shrapnel or other falling debris. Some companies have even adopted army helmets in the construction industry because of their known strength. Many are able to stop a bullet and this means that there is a good chance it would take a hit from a small brick without doing much damage to your head.

One overlooked benefit is that an army hat or helmet can provide space to store items. These items may be in the form of small food rations or more high tech like night vision glasses. Even if you aren’t in the army, you can benefit from an army hat when out fishing for two reasons. The first is that it protects you from the sun and the second is that it gives you a place to store your lures.

Buying an army hat is simple. You can many items located on small surplus stores or my favorite place, auction sites. The only thing you need to keep in mind with auction sites is that, depending on the country you are living in, there might be laws preventing you from purchasing such items.…

Hair Growth Remedies – Information Prior To Implementation

In conjunction with my prior articles on hair loss remedies, this one is aimed at ridding your head of vacancy; however, it is not the only objective. I want to give you the power of information, which in turn, will give you the power to act. Knowing what to do before doing anything is the key to success, whether you are trying to re-grow your hair, or simply solve a mathematical problem.

The modern times we live in can sometimes make it hard to discern what might actually be a feasible solution to hair loss, and what may be a way for you to empty out your wallet with no avail.

So, how do you get over the bump? Easy, information! You need to learn what you can about hair loss, what causes it, what type you have, and thirdly, who to approach to fix your problem.

Knowing where to go to find out all this information can be a bit difficult, although not impossible. In my studies of hair loss, I have been spending long hours on the internet, trying to find reliable and dependable sources capable of vanquishing the hair eating demons.

In my queries, I have seen many types of hair growth remedies.

I have seen laser hair growth products, I have found multiple biotin hair growth products, and I have even found a pretty awesome vitamin for hair growth. The thing is, until I didn’t read up, obtain crucial information and understand it, those treatments might as well be potatoes.

So, what needs to be done in order to stop hair thinning the right way? I’ll give you a few great tips.

Firstly, fuel up on information. Make sure you fill the tank up on all sorts of solutions. I also want you to investigate the many kinds of hair loss conditions, as they are all treated differently. If you don’t know why your hair is leaving you, I doubt you will be able to entice it to show up again.

Secondly, prioritize your options. This is just my personal advice; however I feel it is worth mentioning. When treating hair loss, you will encounter many forms of treatment.

I would pick one that seems good to you and learn all you can about it. I always look for the least intrusive methods before actually taking action. Basically, what I’m saying is don’t contemplate hair transplant surgery until you’ve tried out the easier, and much cheaper treatments.

People take action without basing it on information, which can only prolong your condition and waste your money. If you study before you take the hair growth test, your chances of passing with flying colors are much, much higher.…

Ford Super Duty Gets Tweaked and Empowered

Ford’s Super Duty truck has received a new 6.7-liter turbocharged diesel engine for the 2011 model year. When the truck went on sale earlier in 2010, the Power Stroke diesel returned 390 pound-feet of torque and 735 horsepower. In addition, Baldwin-Wallace College says that the truck gets 29.2 miles to the gallon.

But Ford has found a way to improve power and fuel economy by offering a software upgrade. That 30 minute adjustment, performed at the dealer level, will yield 400 pound-feet of torque and 800 horsepower, providing best in class performance. Importantly, Ford says that fuel economy will improve, although those numbers have yet to be confirmed.

Smart Move

The upgrade isn’t unusual, but how it was handled is. Instead of waiting for the next model year trucks to be assembled, Ford has offered the upgrade for all new trucks and those already sold to customers. That means if you own a 2011 Power Stroke diesel, you can get the upgrade at no cost. Ford says that customers are likely to opt for the change especially if they use their trucks for hauling and other rigorous work.

Power Stroke has served Ford well, a capable line of engines previously produced by Navistar for Ford, but now handled in-house. A previous version of the engine had some technical problems which cost Ford a mint to fix, but the current engine is more powerful and offers best in class fuel economy. The EPA doesn’t track fuel efficiency in this class of vehicles, but the Ford Super Duty beats the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and Dodge Ram Heavy Duty truck in most independent tests.

More Tweaks

Software plays an important part in the way any vehicle works these days. All vehicles have a central computer which controls the essential functions. Torque, horsepower, fuel efficiency and a host of in-cabin and handling matters are computer controlled or enhanced, allowing manufacturers to squeeze more power and efficiency out of every vehicle. Indeed, software engineers can sometimes find ways to make a vehicle more efficient after the fact, giving customers the chance to enjoy a complimentary upgrade.

Owners of any late model car should keep track of recalls and other notices related to their vehicles. Not all recalls suggest a quality problem, but keeping cars compliant can go a long way toward ensuring that your vehicle operates optimally. Recalls are a cost covered by the manufacturer, with upgrades usually part of your vehicle’s warranty plan.…

The Truth About B12 and Weight Loss!

Vitamin B12 was discovered decades ago, but for years it really did not get much attention. Lately, however, all that has changed. Now it seems like everywhere you turn you are hearing about yet another medical benefit of taking B12. One idea that has gotten a lot of attention is that idea that B12 can help with weight loss. Is there any truth behind this claim? Is B12 the magical cure you are looking for to help solve your weight issues?

The truth is that while B12 and B12 shots certainly do have some medical benefits, there is no proof that simply taking a B12 shot will help you drop weight. The reality is that you are going to have to work to lose weight, regardless of what type of supplements you are taking. There is some evidence that people who take vitamin supplements tend to gain less weight over time, but this research is not specific to vitamin B12.

What a B12 shot can do is help you feel better while you are losing weight. Many people (myself included) report that their energy levels are higher when they get a regular B12 shot. Having more energy can help you to stick with your diet and also may make you much more likely to exercise.

B12 is also known to increase your metabolism, so taking a regular B12 shot can help you burn a few extra calories and speed up the rate with which you lose weight. So, B12 can help you lose weight but it is certainly not a magical weight loss cure.

Very often, when you hear of doctors and weight loss clinics giving B12 shots as part of a weight loss program, the shots that they are giving are actually B12 combined with another fat burner. Very often, this is lipotropic complex. Lipotropic complex supports the liver and helps it get rid of fat. Essentially, lipotropic helps the body to liquefy fat and reduces the amount of fat build up in the liver.

If you are considering taking vitamin B12 shots for weight loss, the key is that you must be realistic about what they can and cannot do for you. While they can help you to have more energy and feel good, they are not some magical cure all that is going to miraculously melt the pounds away.…

Do You Know the Signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion?

Summertime is when most outside activities occur. Going fishing, bike riding, jogging, and a myriad of other activities will fill a day or weekend. This is the time to have family fun. However, a hidden danger lurks in the midst.

Heat Exhaustion and Stroke Can Be Lethal

Heat exhaustion and stroke can ruin a family fun day and cause serious health problems. Heat exhaustion left untreated can cause heat stroke, which can be paralyzing and lethal. The best way to ruin your outing is for someone to have a heat stroke.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are preventable if you follow some basic guidelines, and know the symptoms.

The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure fits the bill when it comes to heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

When it is hot outside, minimize your exposure to direct sunlight. Use an umbrella and a hat to cover your head.

Alcohol will keep your body from cooling itself down as well as dehydrate yourself. So don’t drink alcoholic beverages when it is hot outside.

Caffeine drinks will also keep your natural body’s defenses from cooling itself.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Your body cannot cool itself if you become dehydrated, so drink lots of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids like water and sports drinks, even if you don’t think you are thirsty.

Limit your time in direct sunlight, the sun will pull the natural energies from your body and limit your body’s ability to cool itself down.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

The symptoms and heat exhaustion symptoms are very similar. Therefore, be careful if you expect yourself or one of your family members are in danger of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

It would be best for you to take the responsibility for you and your family to research heat stroke and heat exhaustion online or with your doctor prior to planning an outing in a high heat environment. It will be best to know who is at a high risk and what to do, if something happens. If you even have a small suspicion of heat exhaustion for yourself or your family, get out of the sun, cool yourself down. Cool yourself with cool cloths or cool water. Then, drink plenty of water, cool water if you have it.

Your main priority should be keeping you and your family cool while in the heat.

Signs of a Heat Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic if you or you love ones have any one of theses symptoms you should remove them from the heat, start cooling them down, lay them down, elevate their feet, and call 911 immediately.

Rapid heartbeat,

Rapid shallow breathing,

Elevated or lower blood pressure,

Cessation of sweating,

Irritability,

Confusion or unconsciousness,

Heat related headache,

Nausea, or

Fainting

These are the most common symptoms of a heat stroke; so don’t hesitate to call 911.

Prepare yourself and your family for the hot …

The Story About Strokes – An Acquired Brain Injury

There are two major types of strokes:

– The ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. If a clot forms in a narrow artery, it is called a thrombotic stroke. If the clot breaks off and travels to the brain, it is called a cerebral embolism.

– A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in part of the brain bursts open and blood leaks into the brain. This usually causes a severe headache.

The causes of a stroke are high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of strokes, being over fifty-five years of age, living an unhealthy lifestyle, having heart disease, being overweight, drinking heavily, smoking, using illegal drugs, ethnicity, a previous history of strokes or TIA’s and women over thirty-five who are on birth control pills, especially if they smoke.

Some of the symptoms are a severe headache, slurred speech, inability to speak or to understand, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, vision problems and muscle weakness.

For best prognosis, it is extremely important to get medical treatment within three hours of first symptoms but no later than four to five hours. At the first signs of a stroke, it will be imperative to call 911 in order to get immediate treatment. This reduces disability and can save lives. Medical staff will examine and possibly give a clot-dissolving drug, do tests with probably tests using all or some of the following – an Angiogram, a CT scan, an MRI, and an Echocardiogram. There will probably be lab tests done as well.

Treatment and prognosis will depend on the cause of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, what has been affected and how quickly treatment was begun. There may be bladder and bowel problems, muscle and nerve problems, speech, memory and thinking difficulties as well.

There are three coping strategies for emotional problems related to strokes:

– approach-oriented coping where the patient consciously works towards minimizing the emotional challenges of the acquired brain injury;

– coping which indicates a lack of motivation where patient chooses not to express his/her emotions;

– avoidance coping where the patient actively avoids coping with their emotions. With this type of coping, there is usually a high level of depression.

Patients who have suffered a stroke may possibly need physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and swallowing therapy. And because it is common for patients to at least initially experience memory loss, rehabilitation in this area may be required as well as using memory aids such as a diary, calendar or a daytimer.

To reduce your risk of of having a stroke, exercise at least thirty minutes each day, eat a nutritional died rich in fruits, vegetables and beans, low-fat dairy products and foods that are low in sodium and fats.

Because a stroke is loss of blood to …