Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 18)

Test your knowledge when it comes to brain attacks and learn what you can do to protect yourself SenSe Stroke runs in the family like grandpa’s blue eyes and grandma’s wavy hair, and there’s really not much you can do to avoid it. Str ke illusTraTions By ellen weinsTein By lori K. BaKer True or false: answer: False! In the past, a stroke was like a lightning bolt out of the blue: unpredictable, unpreventable, untreatable and devastating. But today, researchers know that many “brain attacks” can be prevented by controlling certain risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also spells trouble if you smoke cigarettes, pack on too many pounds, drink too much and don’t exercise. Still, life can deal out other risk factors like an unlucky card hand, with age, ethnicity and heredity also playing a role in strokes. Many of us are dangerously ignorant of the risk factors and warning signs of stroke. As the nation’s third leading cause of death (trailing heart disease and cancer) stroke leaves many survivors with lifelong disabilities. Take this quiz to find out what health issues could be putting you at risk and what you can do to protect yourself. Check each question that applies to you. Then, read on to learn more. 18 Vim & Vigor • WI N TER 2 010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Table of Contents
Foundation
Better Cancer Answers
Auxiliary
Your Best Foot Forward
Smart Moves
Miss Information
Stroke Sense
Gut Feelings
The Story on Stress
The Faces of Skin Cancer
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
A Natural Dilemma
17 Reasons to Work in Healthcare
Healthy Resolutions
Sole Supporters

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2010 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center