From Spotlight on Health Jan./Feb. 2007

Cardiovascular disease includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Heart and blood vessel problems develop over time and occur when arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood slowly become clogged from a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol, which is called plaque. Heart attacks or strokes occur when the blood flow gets blocked.

Stroke signals

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

If you notice one or more of these signs/symptoms of stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately!

Start with a healthy heart

To prevent strokes, you must keep your heart healthy. Here are some suggestions from the American Heart Association on how to do that:

• Use fats, nuts and sweets sparingly.
• Have two to four servings of skim milk or low-fat dairy products per day.
• Have no more than six ounces of (cooked) poultry, lean meat or seafood per day.
• Have five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Have six or more servings of breads, cereals, pasta and starchy vegetables per day.
• Don’t smoke. Cigarettes are the No. 1 cause of preventable strokes.
• Exercise regularly! Thirty to 60 minutes of exercise three to four days a week.
• Get regular checkups. Your doctor can help identify major risk factors.