In the trucking profession, drivers must be aware and proactive of their health and risk signs. I recently read an article in RoadKing, which discussed the symptoms and ways to prevent a stroke. This is a disease that has become all to common among men and women aged 15-50. According to the article, 1 in 10 strokes occur in folks in the general population aged 15-50. From age 55 and up, stroke occurrence doubles every 10 years. With this knowledge, it is extremely important that we take preventive measures and be aware of the warning signs of a stroke.
Here is a comprehensive list of stroke symptoms we need to monitor:
- Trouble seeing
- Loss of Balance
- Difficulty Speaking
- Weakness
- Facial Paralysis
- Pain
- Loss of Understanding
- Severe Headaches
- Loss of Senses
- Fatigue
This simple acronym is easy to remember and may help spot stroke signs.
Here is a Must Do list to help yourself from becoming a stroke victim:
- Aspirin (Note: Before taking aspirin, talk with your doctor about weather aspirin is right for you.)
- Take steps to lower your blood pressure and keep it down
- Understand and manage your cholesterol: both LDL and HDL
- Commit to making significant lifestyle changes
- Commit to making significant lifestyle changes
- Quit smoking now or don’t start
- Eat healthy, starting today
- Establish a daily exercise routine and stick to it
- Stay active: walk, walk, and then walk some more
- Lose weight
- Control other medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
In addition to being aware of stroke symptoms, it is important to also know your family stroke history.
With the start of the New Year, it is a great time to reflect on personal health and make some changes to improve our health and possibly prevent a stroke in the process. From all of us here at Sonlite Express, we wish you a year filled with good health!
Source:
McElligott, John, “It’s Time to Assess Your Stroke Risk.” RoadKing. January/February 2019. 28-29. Print.
