Stroke Awareness Month

Dick Clark

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Thank goodness there are specific awareness months to highlight the various diseases as its purpose is to alert us to make a change. However, our health does not wait time for an awareness month to come along before something may occur. There are internal processes going on as we go about our daily lives. All it takes is for a blood clot to block or plug a blood vessel or artery in the brain or a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds into the brain. Strokes are open to all - males, females to the very young and old. A major stroke may be fatal. In some cases, one can become paralyzed, losing the ability to speak or walk. A stroke patient may be placed in the care of a rehabilitation facility and have follow up therapy.


Beau Biden

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke may occur suddenly and includes the following:

• severe headache with no known cause
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

It is important to get to the hospital as soon as now!!!!

Risks

Are you at risk?

• a high cholesterol level
• smoking
• diabetes
• a heart disease
• high blood pressure

Prevention

You may be able to prevent or reduce your chances of having a stroke by the following:

• know your cholesterol level get checked
• quit smoking
• eat healthy
• exercise
• keep a track of your blood pressure level


Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Ask questions? Discuss your concerns and get a thorough check up. It's all about your health and wellness - be informed.

The Day That Changed My Life Cancer (Parents Edition)

No one can imagine what it feels like to hear that your child has been diagnosed with cancer.

This Parents Edition takes you through the new journey of countless emotions, questions, and concerns. It explores the emotions, creating and building a supportive team, treatment options, nutrition, the journey of other children relating to the topics, and more.

Revlon Run Walk - Cancer in Women

Oh what a beautiful morning!!! The sun rose to the occasion of the day. It was the day that thousands gathered at Times Square to be a part of the Revlon Run Walk for the fight against women's cancer. Celebrities included the handsome Jesse L Martin, the beautiful Jessica's Alba and Biel, gorgeous Halle Berry, and the most loved Dr. Oz. The crowd danced and sang along with the talented Trey Songz and a wonderful group of young people - a Gospel Choir from Harlem.


The crowd was showered to a treat of confetti that served as a celebration of the start.

The challenge is for the runners to make their way through the countless numbers of participants who are walking. There were strollers being pushed, dogs on leashes with their owners, some people walked briskly, some carried signs and some walked at a relaxed pace.


All in all, the participants were happy to be a part of the event. Many wore signs to show their connection to the event whether it was in support of a loved one, in memory of a loved one or just being a survivor.

The 5K was over in no time as there were volunteers stationed at several points to offer water and cheers. The pride in completing 3.1 miles was seen on many smiling faces of the participants. We cheered as we approached the finish line.

Our team was ecstatic! We walked in memory of our loved ones who died and in support of Nkiru Okanome who died that same afternoon from breast cancer. We were devastated by the news but thankfully our participation will help to save many other women's lives.