Doctors from the University of Virginia Health System have developed a tool that is designed to help people understand what their risk of having a stroke is. This tool is available online and looks at things like the severity of metabolic syndrome, something that includes a lot of different risk factors like blood pressure, body fat, and cholesterol levels.
The goal of this tool is to ensure that people have a better understanding of the factors that can lead to a stroke and then take control of them.
You can find the tool here: https://metscalc.org/. As always, please speak with a doctor if you have any questions. The tool is not meant to replace working with a physician, but rather to help you become more aware of risk factors and take more control over your health.
A stroke can be life changing. One moment, the person who suffers from one is an able bodied individual, able to do everything they once did without issue, and the next they might need help to walk from one side of the room to another or perform some other simple task. While some of the health and mobility issues associated with stroke can be relieved through therapy and medical interventions, avoiding a stroke altogether is always the more desirable outcome.
The good news is that there are things you can do right now that will help to lessen your chances of having a stroke. The first step is to understand what risk factors you have in your life, and then taking steps to reduce them. Some of these are easy, like smoking. Smoking is one of the more prominent risk factors when it comes to having a stroke, and ceasing smoking will help your body to become healthier within just a few days. Understandably, this is a lot easier to say than it is to do as nicotine is highly addictive. However, it is still a realistic step that can be taken to improve health. Working with a doctor to quit can be a really helpful way to ensure that you have accountability and support while you quit.
Other things may take longer to see noticeable results, but acquiring these healthy habits can help in other ways besides lowering the risk of stroke. They can also lower the risk of other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and a variety of disabilities. Eating healthier, getting more exercise, and sticking to a medication schedule (if your doctor believes this is best), can all benefit you and your health.
But if you or someone you loves has a stroke, there are options out there. Depending on the severity of needs in place, a variety of different types of care can help. In-home care, assisted living, or a nursing home may be best depending on what is needed. Consulting with a doctor or a care specialist can help you get pointed in the right direction.
Let us know if we can help in this process. We offer free consultations to help in this respect. It might be just what you’re looking for to learn more about the right type of care for your needs.
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