Strokes are the third leading cause of death of Americans today. Strokes are also one of the main cause of serious long-term disability. According to studies taken 795,000 strokes occur in the United States per year and out of that number 143,579 persons will have lost their life from it.
The National Stroke Association received presidential proclamation in 1987 to celebrate National Stroke Awareness month each year in May. The campaigns purpose is to heighten awareness throughout the nation so they learn the whole progression of a stroke by being able to control the risk factors of a stroke, have improved knowledge of recognizing stroke symptoms and have a better reaction along with enhancing the condition of life while recovering from a stroke. There a millions of stroke survivors in the United States today.
The most frequent type of stroke is a ischemic stroke. It is where a clot blocks the arteries, new clot busting drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), can restore the arteries and restrict damage. In order for this treatment to be given one condition the patient must meet is to arriving at hospital within three hours of noticing the symptoms.
Symptoms of a stroke present itself by the following:
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, leg, or arm, specifically on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble understanding or speaking.
Sudden trouble being able to see in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble being able to walk, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Research indicates that 80% of strokes that occur in the United States can be avoided. There are some risk factors for strokes that can be controlled:
High blood pressure is one of the top causes of strokes. It is very controllable factor if you receive proper treatment.
Healthy diets being omitted from your daily food consumption. Unhealthy eating such as foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol. In taking foods high in sodium (salt) can increase blood pressure rate. Daily intake of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day could reduce the risk of strokes.
Being inactive and or obese increase the chance of high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Taking daily walks or climbing stairs instead of using elevator makes you more active. A person needs at least thirty minutes a day of activity. Eating a well balanced diet is essential to maintain ones health too.
If you do suffer a stroke there are many alternative and complimentary therapies available. The most customary course of action is lowering fat in the diet. Alternative therapies that are for cardiovascular health and preventing hypertension are also helpful in managing a stroke.
The most effective alternative therapies used for strokes include:
Nutrition and Diet
Body Work which includes massage therapy, yoga and Tai Chi.
Herbal medicines such as Gingko Bilbao which prevents and treats strokes. It aides in the hampering of blood clots progressing and boosts blood flow to the brain. The product should contain at least 24% ginkgo heterosides (flavoglycosides) and be consumed at 40 – 80 milligrams each day three times daily. **Warning: if you regularly take any blood thinning medications which includes aspirin consult medical advice first before taking. Large amounts of this herbal medicine can cause diarrhea, restlessness and irritability. Another recommended herb is Ginger. It will decrease cholesterol and aide poor circulation. Ginger can be applied in foods you cook or brewed as a tea. For tea use one to two teaspoons of freshly grated ginger root to one cup of boiling water. Let soak until cool. You can also sprinkle ginger on top of salads. Ginger is one herb that has many uses.
Aromatherapy to relieve symptoms and help build tolerance to different problems that affect the heart.
Depending on what aromatherapist you talk with the treatments can be different. A portion of practitioners recommend a massage with essential oils of lavender, marjoram, peppermint and rose. This could possible strengthen heart action. Two essential oils recommended for clogged and hardened arteries are rosemary and juniper. To aide in circulation some oils would include basil, lavender, pine and thyme. For heart palpitations or heart failure oils include lavender, peppermint, rosemary and Ylang-Ylang.
Oils can be used in various ways such as inhaling the vapors as they rise from a bowl of water.
Mixed into a base oil and used for massages.
Mixed into bath water.
Worn as a perfume.
There are also essential oils for hypertension and stress management. For more information you can check out the information center for hostolic online.
Please remember these remedies are not to be used as a treatment for a stroke. If you think you are having a stroke immediately seek emergency medical treatment.
A few other alternative therapies include Bach Flower Therapy, Chiropractic, Reflexology and Naturopathic Medicine.
