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28/01/2020

very important message must read and share

Corona virus

A corona virus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most corona viruses are not dangerous.
Some types of them are serious, though. About 858 people have died from Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which first appeared in 2012 in Saudi Arabia and then in other countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. In April 2014, the first American was hospitalized for MERS in Indiana and another case was reported in Florida. Both had just returned from Saudi Arabia. In May 2015, there was an outbreak of MERS in Korea, which was the largest outbreak outside of the Arabian Peninsula. In 2003, 774 people died from a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. As of 2015, there were no further reports of cases of SARS. MERS and SARS are types of corona viruses.
But in early January 2020, the World Health Organization identified a new type: 2019 novel corona virus (2019-nCoV) in China. By late January, there were 300 confirmed cases in China and a death count that was still in the single digits, but rising. And despite airport screenings, a traveler had brought the first case to the U.S.

Often a corona virus causes upper respiratory infection symptoms like a stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat. You can treat them with rest and over-the-counter medication. The corona virus can also cause middle ear infections in children.
What Is a Corona virus?
Corona viruses were first identified in the 1960s, but we don't know where they come from. They get their name from their crown-like shape. Sometimes, but not often, a corona virus can infect both animals and humans.
Most corona viruses spread the same way other cold-causing viruses do: through infected people coughing and sneezing, by touching an infected person's hands or face, or by touching things such as doorknobs that infected people have touched.
Almost everyone gets a corona virus infection at least once in their life, most likely as a young child. In the United States, corona viruses are more common in the fall and winter, but anyone can come down with a corona virus infection at any time.
Common Symptoms of Corona-virus
The symptoms of most corona viruses are similar to any other upper respiratory infection, including runny nose, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a fever. In most cases, you won't know whether you have a corona virus or a different cold-causing virus, such as rhinovirus.
You could get lab tests, including nose and throat cultures and blood work, to find out whether your cold was caused by a corona virus, but there's no reason to. The test results wouldn't change how you treat your symptoms, which typically go away in a few days.
But if a corona virus infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract (your windpipe and your lungs), it can cause pneumonia, especially in older people, people with heart disease, or people with weakened immune systems.
What to Do About Corona virus
There is no vaccine for corona virus. To help prevent a corona virus infection, do the same things you do to avoid the common cold:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizes.
• Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are infected.
You treat a corona virus infection the same way you treat a cold:
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids.
• Take over-the-counter medicine for a sore throat and fever. But don't give aspirin to children or teens younger than 19; use ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead.
A humidifier or steamy shower can also help ease a sore and scratchy throat.
Even when a corona virus causes MERS or SARS in other countries, the kind of corona virus infection common in the U.S. isn't a serious threat for an otherwise healthy adult. If you get sick, treat your symptoms and contact a doctor if they get worse or don't go away.

23/01/2020

Open Wound
• Types
• Treatment
• Complications
• Outlook
What is an open wound?
An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving the skin. Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their life. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated at home.
Falls, accidents with sharp objects, and car accidents are the most common causes of open wounds. In the case of a serious accident, you should seek immediate medical care. This is especially true if there’s a lot of bleeding or if bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes.
Are there different types of open wounds?
There are four types of open wounds, which are classified depending on their cause.
Abrasion
An abrasion occurs when your skin rubs or scrapes against a rough or hard surface. Road rash is an example of an abrasion. There’s usually not a lot of bleeding, but the wound needs to be scrubbed and cleaned to avoid infection.
Laceration
A laceration is a deep cut or tearing of your skin. Accidents with knives, tools, and machinery are frequent causes of lacerations. In the case of deep lacerations, bleeding can be rapid and extensive.
Puncture
A puncture is a small hole caused by a long, pointy object, such as a nail or needle. Sometimes, a bullet can cause a puncture wound.
Punctures may not bleed much, but these wounds can be deep enough to damage internal organs. If you have even a small puncture wound, visit your doctor to get a tetanus shot and prevent infection.
Avulsion
An avulsion is a partial or complete tearing away of skin and the tissue beneath. Avulsions usually occur during violent accidents, such as body-crushing accidents, explosions, and gunshots. They bleed heavily and rapidly.
How are open wounds treated?
Some wounds may be treated at home and others may require a trip to your doctor for a medical approach.
Home care for minor wounds
Minor wounds can be treated at home. First, wash and disinfect the wound to remove all dirt and debris. Use direct pressure and elevation to control bleeding and swelling.
When wrapping the wound, always use a sterile dressing or bandage. Very minor wounds may heal without a bandage. You’ll need to keep the wound clean and dry for five days. You should also make sure you get plenty of rest.
Pain typically accompanies a wound. You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the package. Avoid products with aspirin since they can cause or prolong bleeding.
Apply ice if you have bruising or swelling, and avoid picking at scabs. If you’re spending time outdoors, use a sunscreen that’s sun protection factor (SPF) 30 on the area until it’s completely healed.
When to see a doctor
Although you can treat some wounds at home, you should see a doctor if:
• an open wound is deeper than 1/2 inch
• bleeding doesn’t stop with direct pressure
• bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes
• bleeding is the result of a serious accident
Medical treatments
Your doctor may use different techniques to treat your open wound. After cleaning and possibly numbing the area, your doctor may close the wound using skin glue, sutures, or stitches. You may receive a tetanus shot if you have a puncture wound.
Depending on the location of your wound and the potential for infection, your doctor may not close the wound and let it heal naturally. This is known as healing by secondary intention, meaning from the base of the wound to the superficial epidermis.
This process may require you to pack your wound with gauze. Although the healing may not look pretty, it prevents infection and the formation of abscesses.
Another treatment for an open wound includes pain medication. Your doctor may also prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic if there’s an infection or high risk for developing an infection. In some cases, you may need surgery.
If a body part is severed, it should be brought to the hospital for possible reattachment. Wrap the body part in moist gauze and pack it in ice.
When you leave the doctor’s office, you might have bandages and dressings. It’s important to wash your hands and work on a clean surface when changing bandages and dressings.
Disinfect and dry the wound thoroughly before dressing it again. Dispose of old dressings and bandages in plastic bags.
Are there any complications from having an open wound?
The main complication of an open wound is the risk for infection. Call your doctor immediately if you’ve had a puncture, deep laceration, or serious accident and you’re showing signs of significant bleeding or infection.
Signs of hemorrhage include continuous bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure. You may have an infection if the wound shows:
• an increase in drainage
• thick green, yellow, or brown pus
• pus with a foul odor
Other signs of infection include:
• a fever of over 100.4°F (38°C) for more than four hours
• a tender lump in your groin or armpit
• a wound that isn’t healing
Your doctor will drain or debride the wound and often prescribe an antibiotic if bacterial infection develops. In serious cases, you may need surgery to remove infected tissue and sometimes the surrounding tissue as well.
Conditions that can develop from an open wound include:
• Lockjaw. This condition is caused by an infection from the bacteria that cause tetanus. It can cause muscle contractions in your jaw and neck.
• Necrotizing fasciitis. This is a severe soft tissue infection caused by a variety of bacteria including Clostridium and Streptococcus that can lead to tissue loss and sepsis.
• Cellulitis. This is an infection of your skin that’s not in immediate contact with the wound.

23/01/2020

Caring for Your Urinary (Foley) Catheter

This information will help you care for your urinary (Foley) catheter while you’re at home.
You have had a urinary catheter (a thin, flexible tube) placed in your bladder to drain your urine (p*e). It’s held inside your bladder by a balloon filled with water. The parts of the catheter outside your body are shown in Figure 1.


Catheter Care
• You need to clean your catheter, change your drainage bags, and wash your drainage bags every day.
• You may see some blood or urine around where the catheter enters your body, especially when walking or having a bowel movement (pooping). This is normal, as long as there’s urine draining into the drainage bag. If there’s not, call your healthcare provider.
• While you have your catheter, drink 1 to 2 glasses of liquids every 2 hours while you’re awake.
Showering
• You can shower while you have your catheter in place. Don’t take a bath until after your catheter is removed. This is because taking a bath while you have your Foley catheter puts you at risk for infections.
• Make sure you always shower with your night bag. Don’t shower with your leg bag. You may find it easier to shower in the morning.
Cleaning Your Catheter
You can clean your catheter while you’re in the shower.
You will need the following supplies:
1. Gather your supplies. You will need:
o Mild soap, such as Dove®
o Water
o 1 Cath-Secure®
2. Wash your hands with soap and water.
3. Using mild soap and water, clean your ge***al area.
o Men should pull back their fo****in, if needed, and clean the area, including the p***s.
o Women should separate the l***a, and clean the area from front to back.
4. Clean your urethra (urinary opening), which is where the catheter enters your body.
5. Clean the catheter from where it enters your body and then down, away from your body. Hold the catheter at the point it enters your body so that you don’t put tension on it.
6. Rinse the area well and dry it gently.
7. If you removed your old Cath-Secure, use the new Cath-Secure to attach the catheter to your leg to keep it from moving.
Changing Your Drainage Bag
You will change your drainage bag 2 times a day.
• In the morning after you shower, change the night bag to the leg bag.
• At night before you go to bed, change the leg bag to the night bag.
You will need the following supplies:
• A clean washcloth (not one already used for bathing) or a 4”x 4” piece of gauze
• Night or leg drainage bag (whichever one you are switching to)
• 2 alcohol pads
1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
2. Empty the urine from the drainage bag into the toilet. Make sure that spout of the drainage bag never touches the side of the toilet or any emptying container.
3. Place the clean cloth or gauze under the connector to catch any leakage.
4. Pinch off the catheter with your fingers and disconnect the used bag.
5. Wipe the end of the catheter with an alcohol pad.
6. Wipe the connector on the new bag with the second alcohol pad.
7. Connect the clean bag to the catheter and release your finger pinch.
8. Check all connections. Straighten any kinks or twists in the tubing.
Caring for Your Drainage Bags
Caring for your leg bag
• The tubing from the leg bag should fit down to your calf with your leg slightly bent. If you have extra tubing, you may need to cut it. Your nurse will show you how to do this.
• Always wear the leg bag below your knee. This will help it drain.
• Make sure to place the leg bag on your calf with the Velcro® straps your nurse gave you. Use a leg strap to secure the tubing to your thigh.
• If the straps leave a mark on your leg, they are too tight and should be loosened. Leaving the straps too tight can decrease your circulation and lead to blood clots.
• Empty the leg bag into the toilet through the spout at the bottom every 2 to 4 hours, as needed. Don’t let the bag become completely full.
• Don’t lie down for longer than 2 hours while you’re wearing the leg bag.
Caring for your night bag
• Always keep the night bag below the level of your bladder.
• To hang your night bag while you sleep, place a clean plastic bag inside of a wastebasket. Hang the night bag on the inside of the wastebasket.
Cleaning the drainage bags
You will need the following supplies:
• White vinegar
• Cool water
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
2. Rinse the bag with cool water. Don’t use hot water because it can damage the plastic equipment.
3. To decrease odor, fill the bag halfway with a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Shake the bag and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse the bag with cool water and hang it up to dry.
Preventing Infections
Follow these guidelines to prevent getting infections while you have your catheter in place:
• Keep the drainage bag below the level of your bladder and off the floor at all times.
• Keep the catheter secured to your thigh to prevent it from moving.
• Don’t lie on your catheter or block the flow of urine in the tubing.
• Shower daily to keep the catheter clean.
• Clean your hands before and after touching the catheter or bag.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
• Your catheter comes out. Don’t try to replace it yourself.
• You have a fever of 101°F (38.3 °C) or higher.
• You’re making less urine than usual.
• You have foul-smelling urine.
• You have bright red blood or large blood clots in your urine.
• You have abdominal (belly) pain and no urine in your catheter bag.

23/01/2020

Tracheostomy Care

What is a tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is an opening (made by an incision) through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). A tracheostomy opens the airway and aids breathing.
A tracheostomy may be done in an emergency, at the patient’s bedside or in an operating room. Anaesthesia (pain relief medication) may be used before the procedure. Depending on the person’s condition, the tracheostomy may be temporary or permanent.
When is a tracheostomy considered?
A tracheostomy may be performed for the following conditions:
• Obstruction of the mouth or throat
• Breathing difficulty caused by edema (swelling), injury or pulmonary (lung) conditions
• Airway reconstruction following tracheal or laryngeal surgery
• Airway protection from secretions or food because of swallowing problems
• Airway protection after head and neck surgery
• Long-term need for ventilator (breathing machine) support
What is a tracheotomy tube?

A tracheotomy (trach) tube is a small tube inserted into the tracheostomy to keep the stoma (opening) clear.
Tracheostomy tubes are available in several sizes and materials including semi-flexible plastic, rigid plastic or metal. The tubes are disposable or reusable. They may have an inner cannula that is either disposable or reusable. The tracheostomy tube may or may not have a cuff. Cuffed trach tubes are generally used for patients who have swallowing difficulties or who are receiving mechanical ventilation. Non-cuffed trach tubes are used to maintain the patient’s airway when a ventilator is not needed. The choice of tube is based on your condition, neck shape and size and purpose of the tracheostomy.
All trach tubes have an outer cannula (main shaft) and a neck-plate (fl**ge). The fl**ge rests on your neck over the stoma (opening). Holes on each side of the neck-plate allow you to insert trach tube ties to secure the trach tube in place.
What do I need to know after going home with a tracheostomy?
• Immediately after the tracheostomy, you will communicate with others by writing until your healthcare provider gives you instruction for communication techniques.
• Do not remove the outer cannula unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to do so.
• Use tracheostomy covers to protect your airway from outside elements (such as dust, cold air, etc.) Ask your healthcare provider for more information about tracheostomy covers and where to purchase them.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider or physician immediately:
• If you have an irregular heart rate.
• If you feel increased pain or discomfort.
Note: It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for about a week after the tracheostomy procedure.
• If you have difficulty breathing and it is not relieved by your usual method of clearing secretions.
• When secretions become thick, if crusting occurs or mucus plugs are present. Your physician may recommend increasing your fluids or using cool mist humidification.
• If you have any other problems or concerns.
How do I take care of my tracheostomy tube?
Your nurse will teach you the proper way to care for your tracheostomy tube before you go home. Routine tracheostomy care should be done at least once a day after you are discharged from the hospital.
1. Gather the following supplies:
o Two non-sterile gloves
o A clean basin (or sink)
o Hydrogen peroxide
o Clean 4 x 4 fine mesh gauze pads
o Normal saline or tap water (Use distilled water if you have a septic tank or well water)
o Clean cotton-tipped swabs
o Clean pipe cleaners or small brush
o Clean washcloth
o Clean towel
o Trach tube ties
o Clean scissors
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Stand or sit in a comfortable position in front of a mirror (in the bathroom over the sink is a good place to care for your trach tube).
4. Put on the gloves.
5. Suction the trach tube. (Your healthcare provider will give you more information about the suctioning procedure).
6. If your tube has an inner cannula, remove it. (If the trach tube does not have an inner cannula, go to step 12.)
7. Hold the inner cannula over the basin and pour the hydrogen peroxide over and into it. Use as much hydrogen peroxide as you need to clean the inner cannula thoroughly.
8. Clean the inner cannula with pipe cleaners or a small brush.
9. Thoroughly rinse the inner cannula with normal saline, tap water or distilled water (if you have a septic tank or well water).
10. Dry the inside and outside of the inner cannula completely with a clean 4 x 4 fine mesh gauze pad.
11. Reinsert the inner cannula and lock it in place.
12. Remove the soiled gauze dressing around your neck and throw it away.
13. Inspect the skin around the stoma for redness, hardness, tenderness, drainage or a foul smell. If you notice any of these conditions, call your nurse or physician after you finish routine care.
14. Soak the cotton-tipped swabs in a solution of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. Use the swabs to clean the exposed parts of the outer cannula and the skin around the stoma.
15. Wet the wash cloth with normal saline, tap water or distilled water. Use the wash cloth to wipe away the hydrogen peroxide and clean the skin.
16. Dry the exposed outer cannula and the skin around the stoma with a clean towel.
17. Change the trach tube ties.
o Measure and cut a piece of tie long enough to go around your neck twice. Cut the tie at an angle (Illustration 17c.) so it is easier to insert the tie into the neck-plate.
o Untie one side of the old tie and remove that side from the neck-plate. Do not completely remove the old tie until the new one is in place and is securely fastened.
o Holding the trach tube in place, lace the tie through one hole of the neck-plate, around the back of your neck, through the other hole of neck-plate, and again around the back of your neck.
o Pull the tie snugly and tie a square knot on the side of your neck. There should be enough space for no more than two fingers between the tie and your neck. (Illustration 17d.)
o Cut, remove and discard the old tie. If you have a cuffed trach tube, be careful not to cut the cuff balloon when removing the old trach tube tie.

18. Place a fine mesh gauze under the tracheostomy tie and neck-plate by folding it or cutting a slit in it.
Note: Some brands of mesh gauze are pre-cut.
Important: Do not use 4 x 4 gauze or toppers – they contain cotton fibres which could clog your airway.
19. Remove your gloves and throw them away.
20. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
21. Wash the basin and small brush with soap and warm water. Dry them and put them away.
22. Put the used washcloth and towel in the laundry.
23. Wash your hands again with soap and warm water.

23/01/2020

Causes and prevention of pressure sores
Pressure sores are wounds that develop when constant pressure or friction on one area of the body damages the skin. Constant pressure on an area of skin stops blood flowing normally, so the cells die and the skin breaks down.
Other names for pressure sores are bedsores, pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers.
Causes of pressure sores
Pressure sores happen if you can’t move around and so stay in one position for a long time. We normally move about constantly, even in our sleep. This stops pressure sores developing.
People who are unable to move around tend to put pressure on the same areas of the body for a long time. If you are ill, bedridden or in a wheelchair, you are at risk of getting pressure sores.
A number of things can increase your risk of pressure sores, including:
• being unable to move around easily due to old age or illness
• weight loss - you may have less padding over bony areas
• sliding down in a bed or chair - pressure on the skin cuts off blood supply because the skin is being pulled in different directions (called shearing)
• friction or rubbing of the skin, for example against sheets
• a poor diet
• lack of fluid (dehydration)
• moist skin - for example, due to sweating or incontinence
• other medical conditions, such as diabetes
• having a previous pressure ulcer
Preventing pressure sores
It is much better to prevent pressure sores than to treat them. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Healthcare Improvement Scotland and the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) have guidelines on pressure sores.
They all recommend that a member of the health care team looking after you should assess your risk of developing pressure sores and create a plan to prevent them.
The areas of skin most at risk of getting sore depends on whether you are lying down or sitting. The following diagrams show the area’s most at risk:

Tips to prevent pressure sores
The following tips can help to prevent pressure sores:
Relieving direct pressure
• change position and keep moving as much as possible
• stand up to relieve pressure if you can
• ask your carer to reposition you regularly if you can't move
• change position at least every 2 hours
• use special pressure relieving mattresses and cushions
• don't drag your heels or elbows when moving in your bed or chair
Skincare
• keep your skin clean and dry
• avoid scented soaps as they can be more drying
• moisturise your skin thoroughly after washing
• avoid using talcum powder as this dries the skins natural oils
• keep your skin well moisturised
General tips
• make sure the bedsheets are smooth and not wrinkled when you are lying in bed
• sheets should be cotton or silk like fabric
• eat a well-balanced diet
• have at least 2 litres of fluid a day
• tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any skin changes or discomfort as soon as possible

23/01/2020

Ischemic stroke
This is the most common type of stroke. It happens when the brain's blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). Blocked or narrowed blood vessels are caused by fatty deposits that build up in blood vessels or by blood clots or other debris that travel through your bloodstream and lodge in the blood vessels in your brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages can result from many conditions that affect your blood vessels. Factors related to hemorrhagic stroke include:
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Overtreatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Bulges at weak spots in your blood vessel walls (aneurysms)
• Trauma (such as a car accident)
• Protein deposits in blood vessel walls that lead to weakness in the vessel wall (cerebral amyloid angiopathy)
• Ischemic stroke leading to hemorrhage
A less common cause of bleeding in the brain is the rupture of an abnormal tangle of thin-walled blood vessels (arteriovenous malformation).
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) — sometimes known as a ministroke — is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those you'd have in a stroke. A TIA doesn't cause permanent damage. They're caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to part of your brain, which may last as little as five minutes.
Like an ischemic stroke, a TIA occurs when a clot or debris reduces or blocks blood flow to part of your nervous system.
Seek emergency care even if you think you've had a TIA because your symptoms got better. It's not possible to tell if you're having a stroke or TIA based only on your symptoms. If you've had a TIA, it means you may have a partially blocked or narrowed artery leading to your brain. Having a TIA increases your risk of having a full-blown stroke later.
Risk factors
Many factors can increase your stroke risk. Potentially treatable stroke risk factors include:
Lifestyle risk factors
• Being overweight or obese
• Physical inactivity
• Heavy or binge drinking
• Use of illegal drugs such as co***ne and methamphetamine
Medical risk factors
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or abnormal heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation
• Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack
Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke include:
• Age — People age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than do younger people.
• Race — African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than do people of other races.
• S*x — Men have a higher risk of stroke than women. Women are usually older when they have strokes, and they're more likely to die of strokes than are men.
• Hormones — Use of birth control pills or hormone therapies that include estrogen increases risk.
Complications
A stroke can sometimes cause temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain lacks blood flow and which part was affected. Complications may include:
• Paralysis or loss of muscle movement. You may become paralyzed on one side of your body, or lose control of certain muscles, such as those on one side of your face or one arm.
• Difficulty talking or swallowing. A stroke might affect control of the muscles in your mouth and throat, making it difficult for you to talk clearly, swallow or eat. You also may have difficulty with language, including speaking or understanding sp*ech, reading, or writing.
• Memory loss or thinking difficulties. Many people who have had strokes experience some memory loss. Others may have difficulty thinking, reasoning, making judgments and understanding concepts.
• Emotional problems. People who have had strokes may have more difficulty controlling their emotions, or they may develop depression.
• Pain. Pain, numbness or other unusual sensations may occur in the parts of the body affected by stroke. For example, if a stroke causes you to lose feeling in your left arm, you may develop an uncomfortable tingling sensation in that arm.
• Changes in behavior and self-care ability. People who have had strokes may become more withdrawn. They may need help with grooming and daily chores.
Prevention
Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. If you've had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), these measures might help prevent another stroke. The follow-up care you receive in the hospital and afterward also may play a role.
Many stroke prevention strategies are the same as strategies to prevent heart disease. In general, healthy lifestyle recommendations include:
• Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension). This is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your stroke risk. If you've had a stroke, lowering your blood pressure can help prevent a subsequent TIA or stroke. Healthy lifestyle changes and medications are often used to treat high blood pressure.
• Lowering the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet. Eating less cholesterol and fat, especially saturated fat and trans fats, may reduce the buildup in your arteries. If you can't control your cholesterol through dietary changes alone, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication.
• Quitting to***co use. Smoking raises the risk of stroke for smokers and nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Quitting to***co use reduces your risk of stroke.
• Managing diabetes. Diet, exercise and losing weight can help you keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. If lifestyle factors don't seem to be enough to control your diabetes, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication.
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight contributes to other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. A diet containing five or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables may reduce your risk of stroke. The Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables and whole grains, may be helpful.
• Exercising regularly. Aerobic exercise reduces your risk of stroke in many ways. Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your levels of good cholesterol, and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart. It also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. Gradually work up to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity — such as walking, jogging, swimming or bicycling — on most, if not all, days of the week.
• Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all. Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure, ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. Alcohol may also interact with other drugs you're taking. However, drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol, such as one drink a day, may help prevent ischemic stroke and decrease your blood's clotting tendency. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you.
• Treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Your doctor may recommend a sleep study if you have symptoms of OSA — a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing for short periods repeatedly during sleep. Treatment for OSA includes a device that delivers positive airway pressure through a mask to keep your airway open while you sleep.
• Avoiding illegal drugs. Certain street drugs, such as co***ne and methamphetamine, are established risk factors for a TIA or a stroke.