Debunking Common Stroke Myths

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the developed world and, with May being National Stroke Month, we thought it would be a great time for everyone to learn more about them. There are a lot of misconceptions about them, and separating the facts from the fiction is vital for anyone wanting to stay safe. Here are a few common stroke myths.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood stops flowing to the brain. That most often occurs due to a blood clot in one of the arteries that connects to the brain. It can also happen from a general decrease in the body’s blood supply or due to bleeding. Strokes can be fatal, but they can also cause lasting problems for people who survive them. Some people have trouble moving, while others deal with pain or weakness. Emotional problems are also possible. The symptoms vary depending on the part of the brain that the stroke damages.

Myth: Young People are Immune to Strokes

It is true that the elderly are more vulnerable to strokes than young people, but that doesn’t mean that young people are completely safe. Roughly one stroke in four happens to someone who is under the age of 65, and that number is going up over time. Everyone should try to reduce their odds of suffering from a stroke if they want to stay healthy.

Fact: Age is Only One Factor

There are a huge number of risk factors for a stroke. Some of them, such as a family history of strokes, age and gender are outside of our control. On the other hand, there are some that we can work on to reduce our risk:

• Smoking

• Unhealthy Diets

• Obesity

• High Cholesterol