Stroke Awareness is he best protection against having one!

Stroke awareness is the best protection against having one. Strokes occur when blood flow to an area of the brain is disrupted. The lack of oxygenated blood causes brain cells to die. The longer blood flow is interrupted the more brain damage is likely to occur.

A person should seek immediate medical attention if signs of a stroke are present. Here is an easy way to remember the signs:

F – Facial Drooping

A – Arm Weakness

S – Speech Difficulty

T – Time is of the essence - call 911

The good news is that many strokes can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. Start with a diet that is low in sodium and heavy on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low fat dairy, and lean meats. Follow that with moderate daily exercise, stress reducing activities, keep alcohol usage in check, and no smoking. Now you are on board the stroke prevention train.

Controlling other medical conditions can also help prevent a stroke. By far the highest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. Other conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and diabetes can also increase the risk. These are conditions that home health nurses routinely monitor. In fact, many home health agencies use telemonitoring systems to monitor their patients 24 hours a day. Telemonitoring enables clinicians to monitor specific functions like sleep patterns, oxygen levels, and blood pressure as often as needed.

High blood pressure contributes not only directly to having a stroke, but indirectly, as it also contributes to other conditions that can lead to a stroke such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  A blood pressure of 120 systolic and 80 diastolic is considered ideal. Below that is low and above that is elevated. A blood pressure of 140 systolic and 90 diastolic and above is too high. 

Strokes can be treated effectively if medications are administered quickly. The key to stroke recovery is getting to the hospital right away. Calling 911 for a stroke means treatment can begin on the way to the hospital. EMS will take you to the nearest specialized stroke center to ensure a quick neurological diagnosis and proper treatment.

Once released from the hospital stroke survivors usually need rehabilitation to recover. Choosing home health for that rehabilitation offers the comfort and support of being home with family while receiving quality physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Promote your agency’s stroke rehabilitation services to neurologists, clinicians, and treatment centers in your service area by providing patient information brochures. Visit TAGWebStore.com for home health stroke rehabilitation information and other condition specific print media.

Renal Health Awareness

March is just around the corner and with it come the first signs of Spring, the madness of the NCAA tournament, and kidney health awareness. The milder March weather also draws attention to our expanded waistlines. While you’re deciding the best way to lose those unwanted pounds, how about adopting a healthier approach to eating instead of the latest internet diet fad? It could improve your waistline and your kidney health.

Chronic kidney disease goes hand in hand with hypertension and diabetes. Consider choosing foods that reduce the risk of developing these conditions. A good place to start is by reducing your sodium intake. Too much salt strains kidney function by making it harder to filter toxins and remove fluid. Fluid buildup causes blood pressure to rise which strains the heart and increases the risk of developing heart failure.  

Here are some common alternatives to salt:

• Try tangy herbs like basil, black pepper, cayenne, cilantro, cinnamon, cumin, dill, ginger, oregano, paprika, lemon peel, onion powder, rubbed sage, thyme, and turmeric.

• Add zesty splashes like citrus juice, vinegar, beer, and wine.

• Introduce flavor enhancers in your favorite recipes like mushrooms, onion, shallots, garlic, and peppers.

Here are some common foods to include in your shopping cart to improve kidney health:

• Red Bell Peppers

• Cabbage and Cauliflower

• Apples

• Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries

• Cherries and red grapes

• Eggs

• Fish

• Olive Oil

Don’t forget, always choose baked over fried.

Partner with your referral network this March to share information about kidney health:

• Join with your local grocer to sponsor a mini health fair. Provide blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

• Reach out to the elementary schools within your service area and offer to speak to students about nutrition and the value of making better food choices. Provide healthy snacks and fun giveaways. Call us here at TAG for ideas.

• Supply patient education media to the medical internists, urologists, and nephrologists in your service are. Be sure to provide your patient outcome scores and tools to help increase referrals. 

Visit tagwebstore.com to view stock brochures, flyers, and booklets for home health, private duty, and hospice marketing. We are a full-service print shop and we are happy to create custom pieces catered to your specifications, call us at 866-232-3477 x 2018 for more information.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Get a jump on National Stroke Awareness month. Make sure your referral network has plenty of resource material on hand for their patients and caregivers.

Spread the word …. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted. Blood clots are the most common cause, but strokes can also be the result of a leaking blood vessel or a rupture within the brain. During a stroke the lack of oxygenated blood causes cells to weaken and die. The possibility of long-term paralysis depends on the location of the brain affected and the amount of cell damage that has occurred.  

Some people experience a transient ischemic attack, (TIA) or mini-stroke which is often a warning sign of a more serious event. TIA symptoms are the same as a stroke but last minutes or hours and then disappear. A TIA episode should be taken very seriously as 40% of people who experience them will have a stroke within a few days.

There are several risk factors that can lead to a stroke, but hypertension is the leading culprit. Over time, elevated blood pressure damages artery walls causing them to burst or become easily clogged, which can lead to a stroke. Other factors that increase the risk of a stroke are: high cholesterol, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of stokes.  If you suffer from any of these conditions or if you routinely have blood pressure readings with the systolic above 140 and/or the diastolic above 90 you need to talk to your medical provider about stroke prevention.  

You may be having a stroke or TIA if you experience any of these symptoms suddenly:

• Difficulty speaking
• Vision Problems
• Unsteadiness on your feet or trouble walking
• Weakness on one side of your body
• Severe Headache

If you are having a stroke, time is critical. Call 9-1-1 Immediately - There is a brain-saving medication available which, if administered within 3 -4 hours of having a stroke, can minimize brain damage and disability. Receiving prompt treatment gives you the best chance for a full recovery.

Visit our Web Store for Home Health & Hospice informational materials on the dangers of stroke and other health conditions.