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Information on strokes available For more information about strokes, visit the Wellness Wednesday booth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 in the Children’s Hospital lobby, play Jeopardy and take the Myth Buster Quiz. Chris Zenson, nurse coordinator for MUSC’s Stroke Center, will be available to answer questions.    Stroke is the leading cause of disability in America, and the number one reason for nursing home admission. Stroke can impair or completely limit your ability to talk, think, remember, walk or even breathe. The following are risk factors associated with stroke. Talk with a physician if any of these risks apply to you. Is your blood pressure above 120/80? Do you have diabetes? Do you have high cholesterol? Do you have atrial fibrillation (irregular or racing heart beat)? Do you smoke, eat unhealthy, or exercise infrequently? Are you overweight? Do you drink more than two alcoholic drinks a day? Do you have circulation problems? Reduce your risk A recent national poll reported that less than 30 percent of patients talked to their doctor about stroke during an annual exam.   High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke. If a person’s blood pressure is consistently above 120/80 (pre-hypertension), a doctor should monitor that person’s blood pressure frequently. If you smoke, stop. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Know your cholesterol numbers. Your combined LDL and HDL should be under 200. If you have atrial fibrillation, work with your doctor. Exercise 30 minutes daily and eat a low salt, low fat diet. Stroke symptoms   Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking/understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause.   Stroke kills 160,000 yearly in America, and many are preventable. Stroke has left 4.7 million survivors in America disabled. Recognize and treat stroke as an emergency. Call 911. Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, April 20, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.