Stroke as a Prevalent Chronic Condition

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Table of Contents

Objectives and Importance of a Teaching Plan
Statistical Data of Stroke Prevalence in the Community
What are the Causes of Stroke?
How to Identify a Stroke?
What to Do if Someone Has a Stroke?
How to Prevent a Stroke?
Concluding Points
References

Objectives and Importance of a Teaching Plan

In the modern world where people are exposed to numerous threats, it is vital to be informed and educated in the areas which might affect a person’s life and wellbeing. Since stroke is one of the most frequently occurring health conditions in the community, it is essential to understand the statistics, the level of problem severity and its main influential factors. As information might occur to be the most powerful weapon, one should learn the signs and symptoms of stroke to be ready to identify it in others and provide the timely help. In the case of stroke, fast action is the key to saving lives and preserving chances for the healthy life after stroke.

Statistical Data of Stroke Prevalence in the Community

According to the statistical data available about stroke prevalence, the population at the highest level of risk are adults in the age of 25 and older (Yang et al., 2017). Since 2013, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the country; also, this condition often leads to disabilities as the aftermath of the incident (Yang et al., 2017). Over the last few decades there has been a rapid decline in the number of strokes experienced in the community, as well as in the USA in general. However, the latest research examining stroke occurrences between 2000 and 2015 shows that the decreasing rates are slowing (Yang et al., 2017).

This tendency emphasizes the need for more accurate addressing of the issue not only in the professional spheres but also among communities to provide citizens with necessary information about the discussed condition. Moreover, many organizations raise awareness about stroke and develop specific programs aimed at immediate stroke treatment.

What are the Causes of Stroke?

There are multiple causes of stroke in adults, which could be categorized into main groups of risk factors influencing the occurrence rate of the condition. According to Boehme, Esenwa, and Elkind (2017), there are two main groups of risk factors: non-modifiable and modifiable ones. Non-modifiable risks are the ones that cannot be influenced and embrace such characteristics as age, gender, genetics and others. As for modifiable factors, they incorporate medical conditions, such as previously experienced diseases or health particularities which demand specific caution, and behavioral patterns constituted of habits, lifestyle, and everyday life decisions of a person. It is important to address modifiable risk factors to minimize the chances of stroke occurrence and prolong ones healthy life.

How to Identify a Stroke?

When a person experiences a stroke, the most frequent reason for mortality is a failure to timely identify the condition and implement immediate care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a concise list of symptoms that indicate the need for urgent actions (“Stroke signs and symptoms,” 2018). The main stroke signs include unexpected numbness or weakness in face or body parts, difficulty uttering or perceiving speech, trouble seeing, loss of coordination and dizziness when walking, and sudden headache. Remembering these symptoms might help identify stroke immediately and increase the chances of saving a life.

What to Do if Someone Has a Stroke?

Immediate actions are the foundation of successful treatment of stroke. As suggested by CDC, F.A.S.T-approach is the most effective in the provision of first help to an individual suffering from stroke (“Stroke signs and symptoms,” 2018). Firstly, one should ask a person to smile; if one side of the mouth is directed down, it is a sign of stroke. Secondly, one should ask a person to lift both arms; a person experiencing stroke will likely raise only one hand. Thirdly, ask a person to “repeat a simple phrase”; the speech of a person suffering from stroke will be unclear and confusing. Lastly, if the sings were detected, one call emergency, thus contributing to timely medical help for the person.

How to Prevent a Stroke?

Despite high rates of occurrence and the overall risk of the adult population to be exposed to this chronic condition, it is possible to influence modifiable risk factors and prevent stroke. The majority of guidelines for stroke prevention are aimed at the promotion of health conditions awareness and changes to a lifestyle. It is even more important for older people due to the higher level of exposure to diverse risks and health impairments. The older a person becomes, the more time and effort he or she should pay to the overall health and the possible ways of its improvement.

To prevent stroke, adults should maintain a healthy lifestyle; the stepping stone of good health is balanced and nutritious dieting on an everyday basis. One should eat more fruit and vegetables, incorporate diverse nutrients in a diet, and maintain regular food consumption. It is also vitally important to do sports or at list exercise regularly to improve the working order of body systems and strengthen the cardiovascular system (“Preventing stroke: Healthy living,” 2018). A crucial aspect of stroke prevention is the elimination of harmful habits and behavioral patterns. To minimize stroke risk, one should refuse from smoking and alcohol consumption. Adhering to these simple rules will guarantee longevity, well-being, and will keep the danger of stroke away.

Concluding Points

In summary, it has been stated that stroke causes death and disabilities in adults after 35. During the latest decades, the occurrence rate has stopped reducing and the threat of stroke has become an acute healthcare issue. Today, the statistics of mortality causes places stroke on the fifth position which makes it a dangerous chronic condition requiring urgent actions in terms of treatment and prevention. Since there are modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, it is vital to address modifiable ones to prevent the condition. Acting F.A.S.T will help in the identification of stroke symptoms and the provision of timely medical treatment. To minimize the risk of stroke, one should lead a healthy lifestyle and be aware of the influential factors.

References

Boehme, A. K., Esenwa, C., & Elkind, M. C. V. (2017). Stroke risk factors, genetics, and prevention. Circulation Research, 120(3), 472-495.

Preventing stroke: Healthy living. (2018). Web.

Stroke signs and symptoms. (2018). Web.

Yang, Q., Tong, X., Schieb, L., Vaughan, A., Gillespie, C., Wiltz,J. L., … George, M. G. (2017). Vital signs: Recent trends in stroke death rates — United States, 2000–2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 66(35), 933-939.

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