Recognize the Risk Factors for Stroke and Stroke Symptoms

There are many risk factors for stroke, including high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, age, family history of stroke, and gender. Unfortunately, strokes affect men and women at any age, not just the elderly. Although more men get strokes than women, the death rate for women is much higher than for men. Women, especially under the age of 55 can have additional risk factors for stroke that may include:

- Having migraines accompanied by flashing spots or blind spots,
- Having diabetes, lupus or other autoimmune diseases,
- Having had a miscarriage or some other clotting disorder,
- Taking birth control pills, even if the pills are low in estrogen, and
- Using hormone replacement therapy.

What symptoms do you need to recognize if you believe that a loved one may be having a stroke? To easily identify common symptoms in both men and women, ask the person to:

1. Smile. Look to see if one side of the face droops.
2. Raise both arms. Does one arm hang downward?
3. Repeat a simple sentence. Are they slurring words? Can they repeat the whole sentence?
4. Do they experience difficulty seeing in one or both of their eyes?
5. Do they experience a severe headache and not know why?
6. Do they have trouble walking or keeping their balance?

Sometimes women may have additional possible stroke symptoms which can include:
- Hiccups
- Nausea
- Face and limb pain
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- General overall weakness

If you suspect you or your loved one is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Time is a critical factor. The longer you wait, the more serious the consequences.

For Women, Getting a Good Night’s Sleep is Not Just a Dream

If you’re a woman, getting a poor night’s sleep is more common than you think, and you are not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2007 Sleep in America survey, 60% of women say they only get a good night’s sleep a few nights per week or less. Sixty-seven percent of women experienced sleep problems at least a few nights each week, while 46% experience sleep problems every night.

As a woman, you need to realize that a bad night’s sleep doesn’t “just go with the territory” in a busy daily schedule. Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to your health and taking care of your responsibilities. Women with poor sleep habits may experience daytime sleepiness and other risks such as:

• High stress levels
• Increased health issues and weight gain
• Drowsy driving (which can lead to motor vehicle accidents)
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• Poor job/school performance

Rather than relying on caffeine, sugar or nicotine to get you through the waking hours, create a healthy sleeping pattern in your life by:

• Maintaining a regular bedtime and wake time throughout the week (including weekends).
• Exercising regularly (never within a few hours of bedtime).
• Staying away from long naps (those longer than 30 minutes).
• Considering the bed only for sleeping and sexual intercourse.
• Avoiding heavy or spicy meals, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine at bedtime.
• Developing a routine in getting ready for bed – including relaxation time and soothing activities.
• Getting adequate exposure to bright light during the day.
• Wearing comfortable clothes to bed.
• Controlling your nighttime environment with comfortable temperatures, noise and light levels and a comfortable bed/mattress.

Sleep problems for women tend to increase with age. Factors such as PMS, pregnancy, motherhood, pain and menopause also contribute to poor sleep habits.