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Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways are irritated and inflamed causing difficulty while breathing. As a result, the airways become constricted and it creates extra mucus. This causes the air flow in and out of the lungs to be more difficult, thus causing the symptoms of asthma, which include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest

Symptoms may vary and be inconsistent. They are normally worse at night.

What causes asthma?

Although, the exact cause of asthma is still not fully understood, there are certain things that can trigger an asthma attack including:

• Irritants such as cigarette smoke, fumes or dust
• Cold and flu
• Allergies to pollen, animals, dust, foods and medicines
• Emotions
• Exercise (especially in cold, dry air)

How is asthma diagnosed?

If you recognize any of the above symptoms, contact your physician so a physical examination can be done. There are a couple of different tests that can be done to help determine if you have asthma, including:

• A spirometry test, which is used to measure how well your lungs function and provides detailed information to your physician to help he/she determine if you have any other breathing problems.
• A peak flow meter, which is used to measure how much and how fast air can be expelled from your lungs.
• An allergy skin test may also be performed to determine if you are allergic to a specific material.

What treatments are available for asthma?

Although there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of treatments available, which are designed to help reduce the severity and frequency of your asthma attacks. There are a number of different variables involved with asthma, so your physician will work with you individually to determine the perfect treatment plan for you. Some treatments include:

• Inhalers
• Medication
• Nebulisers
• Spacers

Breast cancer occurs when the cells in the breast start to grow out of control, which could eventually invade nearby tissues or even spread throughout the body. When there are large collections of this uncontrollable tissue, it is considered a malignant tumor. Although, some tumors aren’t considered cancerous because they cannot spread. These are called benign tumors. We recommend annual mammograms to screen for tumors, as they can sometimes see disease before we can even feel it.

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer. In fact, it is the most common malignancy that affects women in North America and Europe. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. There are a number of uncontrollable factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer including:

• Being a woman
• Aging
• Family history (your risk is doubled if you have a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer)
• Previous history of breast cancer
• Previous radiation therapy to the chest area
• Race (Caucasian woman are more likely to get breast cancer.)
• Starting menstruation at an early age (before 12 years old)
• Starting menopause late (after 50 years old)
• Genetic mutation
• Not having children
• Having children after 30

Although the above factors cannot be altered, there are a number of factors that can be controlled. All of these factors below can increase your risk for breast cancer if not properly controlled or avoided all together. These factors include:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Use of birth control pills
• Not breastfeeding
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight
• Not exercising

Despite the seriousness of these risk factors, they are not nearly as important as the uncontrollable risk factors such as age, gender, family history, etc. It is important to remember that all risk factors are just possibilities and someone without any of the above risk factors can still get breast cancer. Receiving a yearly mammogram screening and early detection are the best defenses in helping to reduce the death rate associated with breast cancer.

What are some symptoms of breast cancer?

Many times, early stages of breast cancer may not show any symptoms. That is why yearly screenings are highly recommended. As a tumor grows in size, the following symptoms may appear:

• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Lump in the breast or underarm
• Redness or scaling of the skin or nipple
• Ridges or pitting in the breasts skin
• Discharge from the nipple
• Inverting nipple

Although experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, it is important to seek medical attention by your physician.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

If a patient has symptoms suggesting breast cancer or an abnormal mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram may be performed. Basically, a diagnostic mammogram is another set of X-rays, which include close up images on the suspicious areas. An ultrasound may also be done to high-frequency sound waves, which can outline the breast’s suspicious areas. Mammograms and ultrasounds are painless and often can help determine if the lesion is benign or malignant. A biopsy of the lesion may be recommended, as this is the best way to determine if you have cancer.

What treatments are available for breast cancer?

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy
• Radiotherapy
• Biologic Therapy

What screening tests are available?

Early diagnosis is the key to increasing the possibility for effective treatment against breast cancer. Breast cancer is screened using mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-exams. Please read the five steps below on how to perform a breast self-exam.

The Five Steps of a Breast Self-Exam

Step 1: Stand straight in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips. While looking at your breasts in the mirror you should look for the following things:

• That your breasts are their normal size, color and shape.
• That your breasts are shaped evenly and do not have any visible deformation or inflammation.

You should seek medical attention if you notice any of the following changes:

• Bulging or dimpling of the skin
• Inverted nipples or change in position of the nipples
• Inflammation, tenderness or rash

Step 2: Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.

Step 3: Continue looking in the mirror. Using your finger and thumb, gently squeeze each nipple to look for any discharge (milky, yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: While lying down, use your left hand to feel your right breast and your right hand to feel your left breast. Use a few fingers to gently, but firmly press against your breast. Be sure to keep your fingers flat and together.

Following a circle motion, be sure to cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Start at the nipple and work your way out. Be sure to apply enough pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue.

Step 5: Lastly, feel your breasts while sitting or standing. Some find it easier to do this in the shower while their skin is wet. Follow the instructions in Step 4 as you examine your entire breast.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a result of the body not producing insulin. The body needs insulin to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy, which we need for everyday life. Type 1 diabetes was once referred to as juvenile diabetes because it is commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is when the body either does not produce enough insulin or the body just ignores the insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes. Since sugar is the essential fuel for the body’s cells and the insulin’s main purpose is to transport the sugar from the blood to the cells, insulin is required for the body to be able to properly use sugar. If sugar fails to go into the body’s cells, it builds up and can cause two problems:

• The body’s cells will be starved for energy.
• The high blood sugar levels can eventually cause damage to your eyes, nerves, kidneys and even the heart.

Diabetes can occur in people of all ages and races, but there are higher risks for some people than others, especially with developing Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in Latinos, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian Americans. It is also more common in the older generations.

What conditions are associated with diabetes?

Two conditions that are associated with Type 2 diabetes are hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia is a term to describe a person who has high blood glucose (sugar). It occurs when a person does not have enough insulin, and if not treated properly can cause some serious complications. Some symptoms to be aware of for hyperglycemia include:

• Dry mouth
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Hypoglycemia is just the opposite. It is when a person’s body has low blood sugar, and just like hyperglycemia, should be treated once symptoms are recognized. Here are some symptoms to look for:

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Headaches
• Hunger
• Pale skin
• Mood swings
• Seizure
• Tingling sensations in or around the mouth

Be sure to contact us for instructions on how to treat hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia if you recognize any of the above symptoms.

Are there any complications associated with diabetes?

Diabetes can increase your risk for many serious complications, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Blindness
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Depression

To learn more about these complications and ways you can prevent them, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.

What treatments are available for diabetes?

There are several factors that help treat diabetes, including:

• Following a regular exercise routine
• Working to achieve an ideal body weight
• Maintaining a diabetic diet
• Taking any prescribed diabetic medication

Type 1 Diabetes must be treated with Insulin. Although, the only way to give insulin is by injecting it under the skin, scientists are currently researching other ways to give insulin. There are on the other hand, new ways to administer insulin shots, such as the use of Insulin Pumps, which are used by many people and are showing great results.

The Diabetic Diet

Maintaining a proper diet is very important in controlling diabetes, and while there are many theories of which is the best diet, here are some general guidelines to remember.

Type 1 Diabetes

People with Type 1 diabetes should maintain a diet that has approximately 16 calories per pound of body weight per day.

Type 2 Diabetes

People with Type 2 diabetes are usually put on a 1500-1800 calorie diet per day. This will help promote weight loss and maintenance of ideal body weight.

These guidelines may vary depending on a person’s age, sex, current weight, body style and activity level. Men may require more calories per day because they usually have more muscle mass and because muscle mass burns more calories per hour than fat. People who are obese require more calories initially until weight is lost. People with a low activity level, on the other hand, may have fewer daily calorie needs.

Carbohydrates should usually make up about half of the daily calories. While lower carbohydrate intake can promote lower blood sugar, it is important to maintain a proper fat intake as well because if higher fats are taken in it will cancel out the benefit of lower carbohydrate intake. A good way to avoid this is by substituting saturated fats with monosaturated and polysaturated fats.

Some people with diabetes find it helpful to meet with a dietician or nutritionist to help determine the best diet and how many daily calories they need. To help control blood sugar levels, it is important for diabetics to understand and maintain a proper diet.

Understanding Food Groups

Fat, proteins and carbohydrates make up the three basic food groups. Carbohydrates are foods that can be broken down into sugar. For good nutrition, it is important to maintain a balanced diet containing all three food groups.

Why count carbohydrates?

By keeping count of your carbohydrate intake you will be able know how it will affect your sugar level. Carbohydrates make your blood sugar level rise, so the more you consume the higher your blood sugar will rise.

Which foods contain carbohydrates?

The majority of carbohydrates we eat come from three food groups: starch, fruit and milk. While vegetables can contain some carbohydrates, foods in the meat and fat food groups contain few carbohydrates. Certain foods may have sugars added, while others, like fruits, contain sugars naturally. If you look on food labels you can identify sugars by looking for “-ose” at the end of the word. Glucose, fructose and sucrose are some of these sugars.

Controlling your blood sugar level is closely related to the amount of food you eat. It is important to follow your meal plan closely because the more food you eat, other than what is recommended, your blood sugar will increase. While carbohydrates aren’t the only type of food that can cause your blood sugar to rise, it is important to spread your carbohydrate intake over the day to avoid sugar loading. We recommend you measure your foods out carefully to ensure you maintain a properly balanced diet. To help you better understand what types of foods and activities cause your blood sugar to increase, it may also be helpful to measure your blood sugar regularly.

Where do you get carbohydrate information?

Most foods contain a “Nutrition Facts” label and you are able to get the carbohydrate information from that. Although, some foods do not contain Nutrition Facts label. Often times you can find books containing the carbohydrate information for restaurant foods, fast foods, convenience foods and fresh foods. It is important to still weigh or measure the foods so you know the amount of grams of carbohydrates present.

How do you count carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates can be counted in number of grams or as exchanges. Fifteen grams of carbohydrates equals one carbohydrate exchange.

What are “free” foods?

There are a number of foods that don’t require carbohydrate counting. If a food or drink contains less than 20 calories and five grams or less of carbohydrates per serving, it is considered a “free” food. Although they are considered “free” foods, it is important not to consume them all in one setting. Spread them out of the course of the day. Here are some examples of free foods:

• Diet soft drinks
• Carbonated water
• Mineral water
• Club soda
• Coffee
• Tea
• Sugar-free candies and gum
• Jelly
• 2 tsp. of low or light sugar
• 2 tsp. Sugar free syrup
• Broths

Can I use sugar in my diet?

Many people assume that people with diabetes should avoid sugar all together. Although, most diabetics can eat foods with sugar as long as they maintain a consistent balance of carbohydrates in their meals and snacks. We recommend that you follow the guidelines for the Diabetic Diet to ensure you maintain a properly balanced diet to control your blood sugar level.

There are a number of alternative sweeteners diabetics can use including:

• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Molasses
• Cane Sugar
• Confectioners Sugar
• Reduced Calorie Sweeteners
• Low-calorie Sweeteners

Controlling all carbohydrates

Sugar is not the only carbohydrate that you need to carefully manage. Even though a food may not contain sugar, it doesn’t mean the body can’t convert it to glucose. So you should control your serving amounts. Examples of such foods include: rice, pasta, bread and fruit. The important thing is to keep the carbohydrate content on your meals as consistent as possible every day.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. This occurs when the blood vessels are constricted, ultimately causing your heart to pump harder to be able to effectively move blood through your body. Once this happens, the pressure of the blood along the vessel walls will cause fatty deposits to build up along the walls making the arteries harden. This is also referred to as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis will then cause the heart to work even harder to be able to pump blood through the arteries, which can sometimes cause blood clots to form, ultimately leading to a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure in an adult is defined when a person’s blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140/90. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, and therefore is sometimes referred to as the “silent killer.” If left untreated it can lead to serious problems. Since there are no symptoms for hypertension, it is vitally important for you to have your blood pressure checked annually by your physician.

How is blood pressure measured?

To check a person’s blood pressure, a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated by the physician. Although it will feel tight, it should not be painful. The pressure from the inflated cuff will cause an artery to temporarily close allowing the physician to listen to the artery with a stethoscope as the cuff is deflated.

When the cuff is deflated enough, the artery will reopen so the physician will be able to hear the blood start pumping through the artery. The pressure that appears on the dial of the blood pressure cuff will be your systolic blood pressure (the number on the top of your blood pressure reading). As the physician continues to listen to where nothing more can be heard, the number on the blood pressure dial will be your diastolic blood pressure (the number on the bottom of your blood pressure reading).

What is systolic blood pressure vs. diastolic blood pressure?

Systolic blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in your arteries when your heart contracts. It is the number on the top of your blood pressure reading. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. It is the number on the bottom of your blood pressure reading.

How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

It is important to have your blood pressure checked every 1 to 2 years by a physician. Although, if you have a high risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, it is recommended you have it checked more often. If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, then you should have your blood pressure checked every 2 to 3 months.

What causes hypertension?

There are a number of different factors that can cause hypertension, including:

• Family history
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Diet
• Lack of exercise

Some factors mentioned above can be controlled to help reduce your risk of hypertension.

• Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to develop cardiovascular disease. Please speak to your physician for more information about the connection between smoking and heart disease.
• A healthy, low-fat, balanced diet has been proven to help control your weight, and therefore reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Consuming too much salt can be dangerous for those with a history of hypertension. It is important to reduce your daily intake to no more than 2,400 milligrams a day (approximately one teaspoon).
• A regular exercise routine of at least 30 to 45 minutes, three times a week can help reduce your blood pressure.
• Attempting to reduce your stress level can also help reduce your risk for hypertension.

While there are some factors you can control, there are also a number of factors you cannot control.

• The risk for high blood pressure increases in men at the age of 45 and at the age of 55 for women. By the age of 75, more than 75 percent of all women have high blood pressure.
• People of African descent have shown to have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.
• If you have someone in your family who has had or has heart disease, you should consult your physician because your risk is greater for developing cardiovascular disease.
• Although, the specifics are still uncertain, studies have shown that diabetes escalates the risk of developing heart disease.

What treatments are available for hypertension?

Sometimes, a proper diet, regular exercise and losing weight are not enough to fully treat hypertension. Your physician may also recommend medication to help control your blood pressure. A personalized treatment plan will be developed for you based on your age, medical history and other risk factors. Since there is no known cure for high blood pressure, treatment usually is a life-long process.

Migraines are caused by the changes in the brain and surrounding blood vessels. They normally last anywhere form 4 to 72 hours and vary in frequency anywhere from daily to less than one a year. Migraines affect approximately 15 percent of the American population, and are one of the most common problems treated in emergency rooms and physician offices. The following are a few facts about migraine headaches:

• Eighty percent of all migraines are classified as common migraines.
• Classic migraines are more severe than common migraines and usually an aura (visual disturbance such as outlines of lines) is experienced before the migraine.
• Status migrainosus requires medication to help alleviate the migraine.

What causes migraines?

Although an exact cause for migraines is not clearly known, it is believed they are a result of a combination of the expansion of blood vessels and the release of certain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin), ultimately causing inflammation.

There are some common triggers that are believed to contribute to developing migraines, including:

• Specific foods (chocolate, cheese, nuts and alcohol)
• Skipping meals
• Stress and tension
• Smoking
• Birth control pills

What are symptoms of migraines?

While symptoms for migraines may vary between people, there are few phases that can usually be identified:

• A prodrome is a variety of warnings that may appear before migraines, including mood swings, subtle changes in senses, fatigue and muscle tension.
• An aura is a visual disturbance that usually precedes a classic migraine. Visual disturbances may include flashing, colorful lights, loss of vision, etc.
• Headaches and throbbing pain, including sensitivity to light and sound.
• Postdrome signs including lack of appetite, difficulty concentrating and fatigue may remain after the pain has disappeared.

What treatments are available for migraines?

There are a number of ways migraines can be treated from home, including:

• Cold compresses
• Rest with pillows to support the head and neck
• Rest in dark room
• Remove yourself from a stressful environment
• Sleep
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Over-the-counter medications

If these "at-home" remedies don’t help alleviate your migraines, medical treatment may help. Although, migraines can be very difficult to treat. There are two ways to treat migraines: abortive and preventive.

• Abortive therapy’s goal it to prevent a migraine attack or at least stop it as soon as it begins. A prescribed medicine will stop the migraine during its prodrome stage. The medication can be taken as needed.
• Preventive therapy is for those experiencing a migraine more than once a week. The purpose of the treatment is to reduce the frequency and severity of the migraine attacks. A daily medication can be taken to help prevent migraines.

Obesity occurs when the size and/or number of a person’s fat cells increases, often resulting in significant health impairment. There are between 30 and 35 billion fat cells in a normal-sized body. As a person gains weight, these fat cells will begin to increase in size and then in number, resulting in excess body fat.

What causes obesity?

Obesity occurs when more calories are consumed than expended in daily activity. There are certain periods in a person’s life when fat cells increase in number rather than increase in size, which makes it more difficult to treat. (12 to 18 months, 12 to 18 years, pregnancy and in adults who have gained more than 60 percent of their ideal weight) Usually, once a fat cell is formed, it cannot be lost. Although, there are certain medications available that have effectively decreased the number of fat cells.

Why do some people gain weight easier than others?

Weight gain is caused by a variety of different contributing factors including:

• Gender
• Age
• Weight
• Activity level
• Diet
• Medications
• Family history

What are some complications as a result of obesity?

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Cancer
• Degenerative arthritis
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Strokes
• Depression
• Sleep disorders

What treatments are available for obesity?

• Exercise
• Proper diet
• Behavior therapy
• Gastrointestinal bypass procedures

Osteoporosis is a disease where low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue cause bone fragility, which can increase the possibility of fractures.

Who are at risk for osteoporosis?

More than 80 percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women. Among those women, 25 percent are Caucasian and Asian women 50 years or older, five percent of African American women 50 years or older and 10 percent of Hispanic women 50 years or older.

Twenty percent of men are affected by osteoporosis: seven percent are Caucasian and Asian men 50 years and older, four percent are African American men 50 years and older and three percent are Hispanic men 50 years and older.

What are some symptoms for osteoporosis?

There are usually no symptoms for bone loss; therefore, osteoporosis is often referred to as the "silent disease." Often times, people don’t realize they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden bump or fall causes a fracture or collapsed vertebrae. Sometimes, a collapsed vertebra can be recognized by severe back pain, spinal deformities and loss of height.

What are some risk factors for osteoporosis?

• Family history
• Sex
• Age
• Personal history of fracture after the age of 50
• Weight and body frame
• Anorexia
• Low calcium intake
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Medications
• Low testosterone levels
• Inactive lifestyles
• Smoking
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Estrogen deficiency

How can osteoporosis be detected?

There are specialized tests called Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests, which are used to measure bone density in different areas of the body. A BMD test helps to:

• Detect osteoporosis before a fracture occurs
• Determine the rate of bone loss
• Forecast the likelihood of fracturing in the future
• Monitor the effects of treatment

It is recommended that a BMD test be conducted at least one time per year. A BMD test received every two years is reimbursed by Medicare.

How can I prevent osteoporosis?

The average woman has acquired 98 percent of her skeletal mass by the age of 20, so purposefully building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can often times, be the best defense. Here are five steps to help optimize bone health:

• Weight and resistance-training exercises
• A balanced diet rich in Calcium and Vitamin D
• Healthy lifestyle
• Consultation with a physician about bone health
• Bone density testing and medication, if needed

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the joints, which can lead to long-term damage to the joints, resulting in chronic pain and loss of function. Because it is a chronic disease, RA usually is a life-long condition that may not subside.

Rheumatoid arthritis develops in three stages:

• Swelling of the synovial lining resulting in pain, stiffness and redness around the joint.
• Pannus, the rapid growth of the cells causing the synovlum to thicken.
• The inflamed cells releases enzymes that can digest bone and cartilage, ultimately causing the joint to become disfigured resulting in more pain and loss of movement.

As a systematic disease RA can affect other organs of the body. Approximately 2.1 million Americans are affected by RA. While there is no cure, the advancements in today’s technologies have provided numerous ways to help control RA, including new medications, exercise, self-management techniques and joint protection techniques. These new advancements have helped people with RA live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

What are some symptoms of RA?

While RA can start in any joint, it most commonly starts in the smaller joints of the fingers, hands and wrists. Because joint involvement is normally symmetrical, if one joint hurts on the right hand’s index finger, the left hand’s index finger will hurt as well. Some common physical symptoms include:

• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Pain after sitting for long periods of time
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Cold and/or sweaty hands and feet
• Anemia
• Sjogren’s syndrome (reduced production of tears and saliva)

What causes RA?

Researchers believe today that there may not be an exact cause for RA, and rather than just being one disease, it may possibly be several different diseases with similar characteristics. While researchers still seek definites about the cause of RA, there are some common factors we do know that contribute to RA.

• The immune system plays a significant role in RA, and is actually referred to as an autoimmune disease because people with RA have an abnormal immune system response. Instead of the white blood cells producing antibodies to protect the body against foreign substances, people with RA’s immune system mistakes the body’s healthy tissue as a foreign substance and attacks.
• Gender also plays a role in the development of RA. The chances for a woman to get RA are two to three times more likely than men.
• Genetics has also proven to be a contributing factor. If a parent has a specific genetic marker associated with RA (which is found in more than 2/3 of Caucasians with RA), then it is definite the child of that parent will also have RA.
• Some researchers believe that RA can be triggered by an infection, but there is no proof available to support that theory today.

It is important to seek medical treatment as soon as you recognize any of the above symptoms. Early diagnosis helps provide the best results in treatment.

How is RA diagnosed?

Because there is no one test that can positively tell if a patient has RA or not, the diagnosis process can take a while. So, physicians utilize a number of tools to help determine the best course of treatment for each individual patient. A diagnosis will be determined by a person’s medical history, lab tests, a physical exam and X-rays.

What treatments are available for RA?

Physicians will work with each patient individually to create a personalized treatment plan based on their diagnosis, taking into account the severity of the arthritis, other medical conditions and lifestyle. Treatments today focus on a number of areas including:

• Reducing inflammation
• Relieving pain
• Alleviating and eliminating joint damage
• Improving overall functionality of the joint

When the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, your brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients and as a result a stroke could occur. Immediate medical treatment should be sought if this occurs as early treatment can not only possibly save a person’s life, but also reduce damage to the brain and possible disability.

A stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 700,000 Americans experience a stroke every year and about 160,000 of those people die. Fortunately, with the improvements in control and risk factors (high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol), the number of people who die from strokes has decreased compared to 20 to 30 years ago.

What are some symptoms of a stroke?

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (usually on one side of the body)
• Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision
• Sudden severe headache (accompanied by neck pain, facial pain and vomiting)
• Dizziness
• Loss of speech or difficulty understanding speech
• Disorientation

In most cases, there is no warning that a stroke is about to occur, but there is one possible sign of an impending stroke. It’s called translent ischemic attack or TIA, which is a momentary disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. Symptoms of TIA are the same as a stroke, but appear for a shorter period of time, anywhere between several minutes to 24 hours, and then they vanish. If you recognize any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

What causes a stroke?

Sometimes referred to as a “brain attack,” a stroke is caused by a problem with the amount of blood in the brain. There are two main types of strokes:

• Ischemic strokes account for about 80 percent of all strokes. They occur because there is not enough blood in the brain. When blood clots or other particles block arteries to your brain, the blood flow is severely reduced, which deprives your brain cells of the needed oxygen and nutrients causing many cells to die within minutes.
• Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel in your brain leaks nuptures. The medical word for hemorrhage is bleeding. A hemorrhage can occur as a result from a number of different conditions that affect the blood vessels, including hypertension and aneurysms.

What risk factors can lead to a stroke?

There are a number of risk factors that can increase a person’s chance to have a stroke, including:

• Age
• Race
• Family history
• High blood pressure
• Detrimental blood cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease
• Smoking
• Previous stroke
• Elevated homocysteine level
• Birth control pills

When should I seek medical advice concerning a stroke?

It is vitally important to seek medical attention immediately if you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above for a stroke or TIA.

If you witness someone who may be experiencing a stroke, call 911 immediately and watch the person carefully while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. You should take additional action in any of these situations:

• If vomiting occurs, turn the person’s head to one side to prevent choking.
• Don’t allow the person to eat or drink anything.
• If breathing ceases perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.