Photos Harbin Clinic
This year for Stroke Awareness Month, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd are encouraging patients to consider the changes they could make today to protect their tomorrow.
The brain’s emergency: what is a stroke?
Strokes strike fast. It happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die within minutes. There are two main types:
- Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke is caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel in the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain.
There are also transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) — often called “mini-strokes” — which are brief but occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.
Know your risk. Take control.
Screening is the best way to prevent a stroke, according to the AHA. Risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, high blood sugar and obesity. During appointments, primary care physicians can help identify modifiable risk factors for stroke with physical exams and blood tests.
“Unidentified or unmanaged cardiovascular disease risk factors are known to cause damage to arteries, the brain and the heart years before cardiovascular disease and stroke occur,” said Harbin Clinic neurologist Dr. David Hale. “For patients, stroke prevention begins by building a relationship with a primary care physician and scheduling regular visits before seeing a neurologist.”
Life’s Essential 8
The most common, treatable lifestyle behaviors that can reduce stroke risk are detailed in the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 for cardiovascular health. They include:
- Healthy nutrition
- Regular physical activity
- Tobacco avoidance
- Healthy sleep
- Healthy weight
- Controlled cholesterol
- Blood pressure management
- Blood sugar management
Although this list may echo the common reminder to eat right and exercise, learning more about each category can be surprising. For example, the Mediterranean diet is not just suggested for those with increased risk. It is also encouraged for any adult with no prior cardiovascular disease.
There is also confusion around what counts as exercising regularly. Taking the stairs and meeting daily step goals may not be enough to reach the national recommendations. For adults, the Centers for Disease Control recommends at least 150
minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
According to recent polls, only 26% of men and 19% of women in the U.S. meet these standards. Yet, physical activity can significantly improve blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance, blood vessels and weight.
This month, make it personal.
Stroke Awareness Month is not about statistics — it is about patients. Whether overdue for a checkup or just starting a wellness journey, now is the time to act. Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd physicians encourage individuals to:
- Know their numbers.
- Talk to a primary care physician.
- Start small and stay consistent with habits.
Schedule an appointment with a primary care physician because preventing a stroke is not just about avoiding a crisis — it is about living a healthy tomorrow.
