Have you ever imagined what it would be like to suddenly lose movement in part of your body, or to have your speech become slurred and difficult to understand? These aren't fictional scenarios, but rather frightening glimpses of what can happen when a stroke strikes. In the hustle and bustle of busy lives that aren't aligned with a healthy lifestyle, we may be unwittingly opening the door to this disease.
What Is a Stroke? Why Is It Important for Us to Know?
A stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). As a result, brain cells begin to die due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. The effects can be severe, ranging from paralysis, speech impairment, memory problems, and even death.
You might think, "Oh, that's an old person's disease." Unfortunately, this assumption is wrong. Although the risk of stroke increases with age, data shows that more and more young people are having strokes. An unhealthy lifestyle is a major trigger.
Bad Lifestyle: The Main Cause of Stroke
Let's be honest with ourselves. How often do we skip breakfast because we're in a rush? How many processed, high-salt, and high-sugar foods do we consume each day? Is exercise just another topic on our annual resolutions list? And what about the stress that builds up from work and the demands of life?
These habits, which we often take for granted, are major risk factors for stroke:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): A silent killer that often has no symptoms. Blood vessel walls that are constantly under high pressure can become damaged and susceptible to rupture or blockage.
- High Cholesterol: The buildup of cholesterol plaque in blood vessels can cause narrowing and impede blood flow to the brain.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain.
- Obesity: Excess weight increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
- Smoking: Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blood clots.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Can increase blood pressure and trigger heart problems.
- Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can trigger increased blood pressure and other unhealthy behaviors.
It's Time for Change! EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital is Ready to Support You
Prevention is better than cure. Now is the time to take concrete steps for your health:
- Healthy Diet: Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of salt, sugar, and saturated fat.
- Get Active: Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or a relaxing hobby.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: These are crucial steps to lower your risk of stroke.
- Routine Health Checks: Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checked regularly.
EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital is committed to providing the best healthcare services, including stroke prevention, early detection, and treatment. With a professional medical team and modern facilities, we are ready to help you maintain the health of your blood vessels and brain. Don't let stroke lurk behind your lifestyle. Let's change now, before it's too late!
Article written by Dr. Sigit Dewanto, Sp.N, FINS, FINA (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).