Stroke Awareness Month

Did you that 80% of strokes are preventable? Did you know that stroke is largely treatable? Did you know that someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the USA?

During May, Stroke Awareness Month, we want to take time to share some life saving facts about Stroke recognition. Learn to be on the lookout for the following signs:

1. Face Drooping – One side of the face may feel numb or appear to be drooping. A smile may look lop-sided
2. Arm Weakness – One arm may feel weak or numb and when lifting both arms, one arm may drift down.
3. Speech Difficulty – Speech may be slurred or person may have difficulty reciting simple sentence.
4. Time to call 911 – If a person is showing these symptoms (even if not all symptoms), call 911 right away!

In addition to knowing the FAST signs of stroke recognition, it’s important to realize what steps can help you prevent stroke:

1. Lower Blood Pressure – This is a huge contributor to your stroke risk. By lowering your blood pressure, you to less than 120 on top and less than 80 on the bottom, you can reduce the largest contributing risk factor to stroke.
2. Lose Weight – Obesity contributes to diabetes and high blood pressure, which increase your risk factors for stroke. By losing weight, you can reduce your risk.
3. Exercise – Besides reducing weight, exercise is it’s own risk reducer when it comes to stroke. Work your way up to a goal of moderate intensity exercise 5 days a week to help lower your stroke risk and to increase your overall heart health.
4. Eat Healthy – Increase vegetable consumption and reduce salt intake.

Tomato Basil Frittata

Here is a fun way to enjoy egg whites and vegetables, any time of day. High in protein, this colorful dish will mimic pizza in design, but without the unhealthy and time consuming aspects that go along with it. Instead, enjoy a burst of flavors from fresh basil, peppers, and tomatoes and a spicy addition of optional lean turkey sausage to add some zest to this dish.