May is here, and while we’re all anxiously awaiting those spring flowers to pop up, it’s also National Stroke Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. What do they have in common, you might ask? According to the American Heart Association, those who have a serious mental illness are at a higher risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke!
When it comes to major health problems like mental illnesses and strokes, having someone around can make a huge difference. Identifying symptoms and signs of either health situation quickly may help reduce the severity.
Common Mental Health Symptoms to be Aware of:
- Social Withdrawal
- Confusion
- Excessive Tearfulness
- Extreme Fatigue
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Alcohol/Drug use
- Changes in Eating Habits
- Intense Anger or Violent Behaviors
- Detaching from Reality
- Suicidal Thoughts or Ideation
What To Do About the Symptoms?
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s very important to explore support. Your primary care provider is an excellent first stop for finding all the tools necessary to manage mental health safely.
Primary care providers may be able to diagnose and treat your condition, but they can also make referrals to additional medical providers or mental health therapists for relief. They can also offer local resources for support groups that may be available in your area. Mental health is complex, and treatment is never one-size-fits-all; however, talking about your issues is the first step to receiving help to get back to being you again!
May is Stroke Awareness Month, Too!
Strokes have a number of causes based on the following lifestyle choices and medical conditions, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Heart Disease
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Physical Inactivity
- COVID-19 Infection
Additional Factors that Raise Stroke Risks:
- Being Age 55+
- Being Male
- Race: African Americans and Hispanics are at an increased risk.
- Hormones (taking birth control pills or estrogen therapies).
Warning Signs of a Stroke:
The CDC provides us with an acronym to remember about strokes: Remember to think “FAST.”
Face: Smile to determine if facial drooping is present.
Arms: Can you raise both arms, or is one/both dropping downward?
Speech: Sudden slurred speech is a sign of a stroke.
Time: Call 911 if you notice these above symptoms because time is of the essence with strokes.
How to Reduce Your Risk for Strokes & Improve Your Mental Health:
- Get regular exercise.
- Eat a colorful array of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid smoking.
- If you use alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Strengthen your support network by staying connected with those you love.
- Manage your stress level.
- Get regular health check-ups.
- If you have diabetes, work with your providers to get it under control.
- Sleep on a regular schedule.
For those who are at an advanced age and living alone, it may be challenging to recognize several potentially dangerous health conditions and seek help. While most of us want to maintain our independence for as long as possible, waiting too long to have support available as we age can be costly, especially if we’re already facing health issues.
Without someone checking in on us occasionally, symptoms can be missed or compound, making problems more severe to treat. Senior living services like independent living or assisted living can be a great way to help seniors maintain and improve their overall health. From the friendships formed with neighbors and staff to the on-site healthcare services available, senior living can be worth its weight in gold! If you’d like to learn more about what Edgewood has to offer, please get in touch with us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
