Preventing Strokes with Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted by either the blockage of an artery or when a blood vessel bursts. Vital oxygen and nutrients are not able to reach parts of the brain when this occurs, and the brain cells quickly begin to deteriorate. Side effects of a stroke can range from minor changes in motor skills, to complete loss of motor skills and cognitive functioning. The good news is that strokes in Colorado Springs are preventable in most cases.

SOME SCARY FACTS ABOUT STROKES in Colorado Springs

• The annual cost of healthcare, medications, and missed workdays due to strokes in the United States is $34 billion dollars.
• Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death in the United States - we lose 140,000 people to a stroke each year
• There are 795,000 documented strokes each year in the United States - that is one every 40 seconds!
• A stroke is the leading cause of long term disability in the United States.
• High blood pressure puts us at a high risk for a stroke.

IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF A STROKE

• Stay active - 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise per day can keep our hearts healthy and our blood pressure in a normal range.
• Eat a healthy diet - Making healthy food choices by avoiding saturated fats, processed sugars, food dyes, chemically modified foods, and instead, choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken or soy, and healthy fats like avocado and nuts can help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Stop using tobacco - The nicotine and carbon dioxide in tobacco products can damage and deteriorate the vascular system, which puts us at a much higher risk for a burst blood vessel.
• Get enough sleep - Studies have shown that well-rested people are at lower risk for stroke. This could be due to the reduced stress, proper hormone functioning, and other factors that are associated with getting enough sleep.
• Visit Your Colorado Springs Chiropractor and Get adjusted - Additional stress on the nervous system can add to the inability to lose extra body fat, improper heart functioning, imbalance of hormone functioning, among many other things. Your Colorado Springs chiropractor can determine the areas of added stress on your nervous system to perform very specific adjustments that will restore the proper functioning of the nervous system.

After a stroke

With so many occurrences of this disease, the likelihood of someone we know and love is affected by a stroke is unfortunately high. Once a person has experienced a stroke, the chances increase for a second episode, and it is more critical than ever to make lifestyle changes that reduce those risks as much as possible. It is critical to have a support team of family members, close friends, and professionals that can make those lifestyle changes achievable.

WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO?

Organizations like the American Heart and Stroke Association provide education about heart health and stroke risks as well as fund research for the prevention and treatment of stroke and heart attack events. You can make a huge impact by participating in an annual Cycle Nation event hosted by the American Heart and Stroke Association. Find one close to you and hop on a bike in the name of health!

At True North Health Center in Colorado Springs, our goal is to help you #liveyourtruenorth. That’s why our doctors give very gentle and specific adjustments to help restore your body to its ultimate potential. Treating your body to Chiropractic care can help with keeping a healthy spine and lowering your risk of having a stroke. To book an appointment, call one of our team members at (719) 301-5781. We cannot wait to serve you within our office!

Stroke Center, Mayo Clinic, Stroke.org