YO U R G U I D E TO A
H E A LT H Y HEART Learn how to recognize the signs of a heart attack or stroke and discover some of the ways you can keep your heart healthy and strong.
5 FACTS ABOUT STROKES By Lyndsay Fogarty
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id you know that a stroke could occur at any age? While the likelihood of having a stroke nearly doubles every 10 years after the age of 55, according to the American Stroke Association, it could happen to anyone — even children. The International Alliance for Pediatric Stroke considers older children with sickle cell anemia, congenital heart defects, immune disorders or problems with blood clotting, as well as previously healthy children who are found to have hidden disorders such as narrow blood vessels or a tendency to form blood clots easily, among those at risk. HERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW, STRAIGHT FROM THE ASA: • Eighty percent of strokes can be prevented through healthy eating, exercise, regular checkups and smoking cessation. • Each year, strokes occur more in women than in men. Pregnancy, a history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or gestational diabetes, oral contraceptive use (especially when combined with smoking) and post-menopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk for women. • A transient ischemic attack, or mini stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that can produce milder forms of stroke-like symptoms, which typically last less than five minutes. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as they are an indicator of a future stroke. • In addition to F.A.S.T. (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 9-1-1), keep in mind several other signs of a stroke. These include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. 34
Central Florida Lifestyle | February 2021
EAT YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY HEART By Lyndsay Fogarty
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ccording to the American Heart Association, about 2,200 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 40 seconds. But you have control over your heart health, and it begins with your diet. When worked into a balanced diet, these are just some of the foods that the AHA says can boost heart health.
BERRIES: Blueberries and strawberries have high levels of phytochemicals flavonoids, can lower the risk of heart attack in women KALE: High in folic acid and fiber, can help lower blood pressure OATS: Whole-grain source of dietary fiber, can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes while raising HDL (good cholesterol) levels SALMON: High in omega-3 fatty acids, can decrease the risk for abnormal heartbeats, reduce triglycerides and slow the growth of plaque in the arteries Making the right food choices is important, but so is eating the proper amount. The National Institutes of Health defines a portion as how much food you choose to eat at one time and a serving size as the amount of food listed on a product’s Nutrition Facts label. Your portions are likely larger than the recommended serving size for most food items, so measure out what you need and store the rest for later. The AHA has outlined the following serving sizes for a healthy, balanced diet: • 1 slice of bread • 1 /2 cup rice of pasta (cooked) • 1 small piece of fruit • 1 wedge of melon • 3 /4 cup fruit juice • 1 cup milk or yogurt • 2 oz. cheese (about the size of a domino) • 2 -3 oz. meat, poultry or fish (about the size of a deck of cards)
