Understanding stroke: risk factors, prevention and recovery

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide and may lead to paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss or emotional changes. While once thought of as a disease of old age, strokes now affect younger people in their 30s and 40s due to rising rates of high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, drinking, stress, and poor lifestyle habits like smoking and inactivity. Preventive steps including healthy diet, staying active, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Up to 30% of people who suffered a stroke may have experienced a Transient Ischemic Attach (TIA). Often called a mini stroke, TIA is a temporary blockage in blood flow that resolves quickly. Although symptoms vanish within minutes or hours, TIAs are serious warning signs and should not be taken lightly.

Aside from common rehabilitation therapies such as physical, speech and emotional support, integrative therapies like acupuncture may support stroke recovery. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can: improve blood circulation to the brain and limbs, reduce muscle stiffness and spasticity in paralyzed limbs, enhance speech recovery and reduce fatigue, and alleviate emotional stress, anxiety and depression.

It takes a team to recover from a stroke and rebuild the ability to perform daily tasks. With the right support and early care, stroke survivors can recover function, rebuild confidence and reclaim life. Doctor Yeung H. Kwon is a licensed acupuncturist and an oriental medicine doctor available to LW residents in Leisure World Seal Beach Optum HCC.

— Yeung H. Kwon, L.Ac, OMD, Ph.D., Optum HCC