The chance of having a stroke doubles for each decade of life after age 55 and are common among the elderly. In 2009, about 650 Hawai‘i residents died of a stroke, according to the state Department of Health. But here’s the good news: a stroke is largely preventable and is the No. 1 preventable cause of disability.
Created in 1997, the American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association (AHA) is to empower and educate you and loved ones of preventing strokes.
According to recent research commissioned by the ASA, about 93% of Americans do not consider stroke as a major health concern, yet it is the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S. It is also the second leading cause of death in the world. Ages 60 – 79, 7.2% are men, 8.25% are women. For Asian or Pacific Islander, 34% are males and 32.1% are females. This was above cancer, accidents, diabetes, and pneumonia.
But here’s a hopeful statistic: 80% of strokes may be prevented. It is largely treatable. One thing to remember, to help recognize a stroke, is to think FAST.
For the first time in its 38-year history, the International Stroke Conference will be at the Hawai‘i Convention Center on Feb. 5–8, 2013. It is the world’s largest meeting for cerebrovascular healthcare professionals and will have the latest research findings and science. The conference will have over 1,300 scientific presentations.
The American Stroke Association’s mission is to reduce disability and death from stroke. Also, to help stroke survivors and their families recognize they are not alone in the recovery and to provide helpful resources for a productive life.
For information, visit StrokeAssociation.org, StrokeConference.org, or call 1-888-4Stroke.
Place your fists into your back and rock them gradually, in slow motion, to activate these points. Do this 2–3 times daily.
Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI-4) in the valley between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI-11) on the upper edge of your elbow.
In order to keep your immune system strong, you need to eat a nutrient dense diet rich in antioxidants and anti cancer phytochemicals, which only come from fruits and vegetables. This soup is packed with just that. Kale, bok choy, onions, garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and red bell pepper are all micronutrient rich foods that protect us from disease. The beans add a good source of healthy protein and fiber that we need on a daily basis. Feel free to add any other vegetable or other types of beans you may like. It makes a good amount so you can freeze some for later. Know you’re getting everything your body needs to stay healthy and live strong.
Slice vegetables onto a foil tent, pour 3-4 Tbsp. of olive oil over them and toss. Add cilantro, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and pressed garlic cloves. Toss again. Close tent and roast on the grill for 30 minutes. If roasting in the oven, bake at 475° until vegetables are tender.
Root decay can occur when the gums recede or draw away from the tooth and expose a softer root surface called cementum. The rest of the tooth surface is covered by a much harder enamel surface. The causes of gum recession include periodontal (gum) disease, stresses when teeth bite together, heredity and rough toothbrushing.
Flu viruses change often and each year’s virus is just a little different than the year before. Since different forms of the viruses appear each winter, a new vaccine is manufactured each year according to the circulating strain that will fight the viruses most likely to occur that year. The protection received from a flu shot also lessens with time, especially in older people. This is another reason why seniors need a flu shot every year. It helps keep seniors protected from the flu and stay healthy. Flu season is usually between November and April. It takes at least two weeks for the shot to start working, so try to get the flu shot in October or early November.
Everybody suffers from stress from time to time, given the tremendous challenges, options and responsibilities in our busy lives. Stress depresses respiration and causes shallow breathing which can lead to irritability, frustration and fatigue. Many people turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, overeating, and excessive drinking to counteract stress. Instead, you can follow this 10-minute, self-care acupressure routine to alleviate everyday tensions.
This 10-minute self-care routine is shown sitting, although you can also practice these techniques lying down.
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called plaques form inside blood vessel walls. The blood vessel walls thicken and the vessels become narrower. This change in the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the blood vessels contributing to heart attacks and strokes.
When I have back pain, its usually due to strain and injury due to lifting. This often results in pain hours later, due to the inflammation. In addition to using acupressure points, locally as well as above and below the painful area, I apply ice packs every two hours (for about 15 minutes) to reduce the inflammation and pain.
Using acupressure for lower back pains: There is a special point on the arm for relieving aches and pain in the lower back. This point requires strong, firm stimulation. In order to effectively relieve an ache or pain in the lower back this point should be pressed hard enough to be momentarily painful.
Adults need 7½ to 8 hours of sleep each night. As we age our need for sleep decreases slightly to 6½ to 7 hours at night. Normal aging includes a general trend toward more time in bed but the same or less time asleep. Older people tend to go to sleep earlier in the evening and wake up for the day earlier in the morning. Compared with young adults, the elderly tend to have delayed sleep onset, fragmented sleep, early morning awakening and decreased time in deepest stages of sleep.
Have you ever wanted to try a new technology without having to buy it? If so, you may be interested in the AT Depot/Equipment Loan Program — it is one of five programs offered by Assistive Technology Resource Centers (ARTC) of Hawai‘i. The center is a 501c (3) non-profit organization that receives federal funds to provide assistive technology. Last year, the center celebrated 20 years of service in the Islands.