Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What is a Stroke?

What is a Stroke

A stroke is a potentially deadly occurrence that happens when an artery leading to the brain becomes clogged or breaks.

It commonly leaves the victim with either minor or major disabilities because brain cells die and cannot be repaired. The most common type of stroke is called an Ischemic stroke, which means it is caused by a clog in the artery.

Depending on where this occurs in the brain, many different types of damage is potential. There are ways to prevent Ischemic stroke and it is important that you do everything that is necessary so that you do not suffer from life altering disadvantages.

The right and left side of the brain control different parts of you. The two sides control the opposite side of the body so if paralysis occurs it will likely only be to one half of your body.

If you have a stroke that affects the right part of your brain you will be at risk of losing vision. On the other hand, strokes affecting the left side may cause speech problems as a result.

Any brain cells that die will cause memory loss and paralysis that may take over parts or the entire side of your body.

cholestasys helps to reduce high cholesterol levels High cholesterol is a leading cause of stroke because bad cholesterol clogs arteries.

It is also related directly to developing heart disease, which makes you susceptible to heart related problems, which include stroke and heart attack.

Your doctor can test your cholesterol levels at any time in your life, and it is necessary to have this done before it is too late. Being overweight, smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetics can all be causes of elevated levels that may cause you harm or a stroke.

Exercise and restrictive diet are the first suggestions that the doctor may give to bring your cholesterol level down to a manageable level.

It may also be necessary to restrict your diet to get rid of sugars and saturated fats because they can cause elevated levels of bad cholesterol.

There are also medications that the doctor may put you on if other methods of cholesterol control are ineffective.

Your best friend when it comes to health is a doctor. Annual physicals and check ups can keep any risk factors in check, which include anything that puts you at risk for stroke.

cholestasys helps to reduce high cholesterol levels High cholesterol is known to be a risk and should be kept under control to prevent heart disease and stroke from happening.

www.ALifeAfterAStroke.com

Tame that mane for glossy locks this summer

Tame that mane for glossy locks this summer
Thoughts of summer may conjure up glorious dreams of natural honey highlights and beautiful surfer chick waves. But in reality, high humidity can cause frizz, and the heat of the summer sun can do irreparable damage to your crowning glory.


To ensure that your hair stays manageable, glossy and healthy this summer, just follow our top tips:

• Give your hair a break. Sunshine can dry out your hair, so try washing it a little less often to avoid stripping out its natural oils. If you can, opt for an easier style that can dry naturally and give your hair a breather from hairdryers, hot curlers and straightening irons.

• Try a hair mask to give parched summer locks a moisture injection. Smooth it over your hair after shampooing and leave for 5-10 minutes for super-silky results. You can get them in most supermarkets, or why not make your own? Mix together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of honey. Massage it into your hair, wrap it in a towel or shower cap and leave for 15 minutes before shampooing.

• Use a sunscreen on your hair to prevent hair damage and colour fade. Many people don't realise that hair can get sunburned just like the scalp. The only way to deal with severely burnt hair is by trimming away damaged sections. Not ideal for your summer hairstyle! You can buy special sunscreen for your hair, but if you don’t have any to hand, just run your skin sunscreen through your locks and secure with a soft grip, or if it's long, pull it back into a ponytail or chic chignon. Shampoo well afterwards to avoid build-up.

• Quit smoking to rejuvenate your locks*. Cigarette smoke can make your hair look dull, so going smokefree could help give you back a natural, healthy shine. And without smoke, your hair will smell fresher too.

• Wet your hair with tap water before you swim in the sea or in chlorinated water. If your hair is wet before you go in to swim, the less salt water and chlorine it will absorb. Even better, why not wear a retro bathing cap - think how good Keira Knightley looked in 1930s style bathing gear in 'Atonement'.

* If you would like to find out more about going smokefree and the free support that is available, visit the NHS Smokefree website or call one of the freephone helplines:

NHS Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 0 169
NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline: 0800 169 9 169