May is Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. Remember the five signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.!
- F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
- T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Better yet, how can you avoid a stroke? Healthy behaviors can lower your risk for stroke.
- Eat a Healthy Diet
- Be Physically Active
- Maintain a Normal Weight
- Don’t Smoke
- Limit Alcohol Consumption
And don’t forget – Mother’s Day is May 12! And to show how much you care about Mom and all the women in your life, mark your calendar for National Women’s Health Week, May 12-18, 2024. Women’s Health Week starts each year on Mother’s Day to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority.
Since women make up the majority of caregivers in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), protecting women’s health means protecting everyone’s health.
The CDC says that women who are caregivers have a greater risk for poor physical and mental health. To help lower that risk, women are encouraged to practice preventive care that can keep disease away or detect problems early so that treatment is more effective. Here are some tips:
Talk with your health provider – Learn what screenings and exams you need and when. The State Health Plan covers preventive services for women and other preventive care at no cost.
Enjoy a healthy and balanced diet – a healthy eating plan includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free and low-fat milk and other dairy products, lean meats, and is low in salt, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars.
Get active – Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It lowers your risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for women. You don’t even need special equipment. Stretch with a towel. Work out with items you have around the house, like full water bottles, canned goods, or other items if you don’t have weights available for strength training. Or just take a relaxing walk in the spring air!
Prioritize your mental health – Research shows that positive mental health is associated with improved overall health and well-being. If you need support, you’re not alone. To help you get started, visit the State Health Plan’s Behavioral Health Resource Center.
So if you’re a woman – or care about a woman in your life – remember the importance of protecting women’s health this week and all year round.