Stroke + Original Articles

Why does dental health matter? Because there's a clear link between it and the rest of your overall health. "There's a huge link between systemic health and oral health," explains George Shepley, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). He says that the connection can be traced to the inflammatory response that occurs in periodontal disease and is seen in other conditions as well.

Consider three sizeable arguments against soda, and diet soda too. Plus, sip on replacement thirst quenchers. Next time you want to quench your thirst, how about foregoing the soda and other sugary drinks and instead down a tall glass of cold water or another healthy alternative? Your body may thank you later. There's been much attention in recent years focused on the negative effects of sugary drinks.

Get the health benefits without upsetting your stomach. You've heard that a daily aspirin regime has been shown to help reduce risk of heart attack and stroke. It has also shown promise in the prevention of reducing pancreatic, gastric, and esophageal cancer. A study published in the November 2011 issue of The Lancet showed that a daily aspirin regime over the course of two years reduced risk of colorectal cancer by 60 percent in patients with Lynch syndrome, who are at high risk for the disease.

Many of the health risks that men face today can be successfully treated if caught early. Here's a look at men's health by the numbers. Life in the 21st century isn't easy. Among the stressors: a lack-luster economy, rising health care and college tuition costs, companies that are constantly downsizing and housing that isn't affordable. Emotionally and physically, men are uniquely impacted by the stress.

Studies link sodium to heart disease and hypertension. But now, science shows sodium is beneficial. Here's what to believe. The body needs sodium. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood volume. It's also essential for muscle and nerve functions. The problem? If you consume too much, it can raise blood pressure, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. And it's easy to consume too much.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 2,500 Americans each day. Here's a look at heart health by the numbers. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease has many manifestations. From congenital heart defects (structural problems that arise from abnormal formation of the heart or major blood vessels that can sometimes be corrected with surgery) to acquired heart disease such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, and pulmonary heart disease and other conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels.

High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for serious health conditions, including heart attack and stroke. Here's a look at cholesterol by the numbers. Your body produces cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, but it's also is found in certain foods. If you eat too much of the wrong kind of foods, you can develop high blood cholesterol, which increases the odds of getting coronary heart disease. Plaque comprised of cholesterol and other substances builds up in the arteries and causes a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Keeping cool on hot summer days isn't only a matter a comfort—it's vital for good health and even survival. A little fun in the sun is one thing, but when it could put you at risk for heat stroke, it's time to take some precautions. That's the message from the Pennsylvania Medical Society and experts all across the country, who warn both adults and children alike that heat stroke is a potentially deadly illness to be avoided—even if it means sacrificing a day at the beach.

You know a lot of things you should be doing for your health, but here are mindless habits you can drop now and then enjoy the health benefits for years to come. Want to live a longer, healthier life? Start today by adding a half cup of blueberries to a serving of yogurt while having breakfast with your spouse after a full night's rest. Of course, that might be easy to manage once, but what you really need to do is replace a lifetime of bad behaviors with the heart-healthy choices embodied in that seemingly simple breakfast.

If you have a fast or irregular heartbeat, cardioversion may be what the doctor orders. Usually performed by sending low-energy shocks to your heart through electrodes placed on your chest, cardioversion is a procedure used to restore a normal heart rhythm when you have a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythemia). Cardioversion is a medical procedure that is done to restore a normal heart rhythm when you have a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythemia).

The benefits of taking a daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke have been well publicized, but is taking an aspirin a day right for you? The benefits of taking a daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke have been well publicized, but is taking an aspirin a day right for you? If you've had a heart attack or stroke or you are at high risk of either, talk with your doctor to see if taking an aspirin daily could help you.

Are you an "apple"? Are you a "pear"? And what does that really determine anyway? For years we've been told that people with "central obesity"—also known as an "apple" body type—were at greater risk of developing heart disease than people with a "pear" shape, whose fat is clustered around their thighs and buttocks. However, a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet dispels that notion.

New research indicates that what may be good for your heart may be bad for your sex life. But does that mean you should stop taking NSAIDs and give up the heart benefits to avoid this sexual disorder? Keeping up with the latest medical research can be frustrating. Just when you think you've been doing what's best for your health, a study comes along that contradicts your practice. For various reasons, many men routinely take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include common over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®), and naproxen (Aleve® and Anaprox).

Nearly 2,000 people were evaluated against seven heart-healthy criteria set by the American Heart Association. The results may surprise you. Just one out of 1,900 people evaluated in a study published in Circulation, met the criteria for ideal cardiovascular health set by the American Heart Association (AHA). The study, initiated by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, evaluated 1,933 people, ages 45 to 75, through surveys, physical exams, and blood tests.

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey. When Jennifer Wilson Cooper learned she had ovarian cancer, she launched a blog as a way to share her story with others and to make it easy for friends and family to keep up with her progress. Little did she know she'd quickly-and dramatically-expand her circle of friends (you can follow Cooper's journey on her blog, Four Seeds, which is featured in Quality Health's free cancer newsletter and on the QualityHealth.

A new study illuminates some important advantages robots can offer over standard physical rehabilitation therapy to those recovering from stoke. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! According to a study presented earlier this year at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, stroke victims paralyzed on one side of their body who received both standard physical rehabilitation and robotic-assisted therapy achieved greater arm and shoulder mobility than patients who were not treated with the new technology.

If you've ever felt your stress levels go up upon hearing loud noises and wondered if the clamor was affecting your well-being, the answer is yes. See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page! Persistent noise can be an actual health risk, especially if you're in your senior years. Danish researchers examined the medical records of more than 57,000 people over a period of several years and concluded that people who lived at addresses that were subject to heavy traffic noise and air pollution suffered more strokes than people who resided in quieter locales.

It's the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Learn the warning signs and symptoms for you and for those you love. It doesn't seem to be as greatly feared by many of us as cancer and heart attacks. Yet stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and the largest cause of disability in adults, according to the American Stroke Association. When a blood vessel ferrying oxygen or nutrients to the brain either bursts or is blocked, a stroke results--and the brain tissue in that area, since it's not getting nourishment, starts to die.

Before you take another capsule, here's what you need to know about how Vitamin E supplements are tied to risk of stroke. People who take Vitamin E supplements to prevent stroke may be doing themselves more harm than good. Recent research suggests that while taking Vitamin E may offer a smidge more protection from ischemic strokes, it actually significantly increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke-a particularly deadly type of stroke.

When it comes to mercury exposure from fish, what do you need to know to make the healthiest choices? According to a Swedish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the benefits of eating fish may outweigh the potential negative impact of mercury exposure from fish. The study analyzed responses from more than 900 Swedish adults about the amount of fish in their diet and then examined the subjects' red blood cells for levels of mercury and selenium.

Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid it. Heart disease may be the leading cause of death for both men and women, but there are many things you can do now to avoid heart disease. And what better time than the beginning of the New Year to put prevention steps in effect? Here are five things you can do to ensure a heart-healthy New Year.

It probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list if you drink a cup of coffee a day. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for. If you only drink one cup of coffee a day, it probably doesn't matter what type of creamer you use, or what's on the ingredient list. But if you drink several cups a day, and add more than the standard serving size of creamer per cup, you may be getting more fat and sugar than you bargained for.

A new study finds that heart disease patients' risk of suffering a major cardiovascular event can be measured by their resting heart rate. A study by Canadian researchers has found a direct link between heart rate at rest and the risk of death in people with stable heart disease. The researchers analyzed data from two major clinical trials that followed more than 31,500 patients over four years.

The statistics are shocking: According to the American Heart Association, every 45 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke. While most strokes occur in people over age 55, the risk of stroke for those under 45 is still pretty high, occurring in about one in 1,000. Unlike older adults whose strokes are usually caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and pieces of plaque from coronary artery disease breaking off and moving to the brain, the causes of strokes in young people are more often the result of other factors.

Take advantage of the bounty of autumn with these healthy, hearty, heart-smart foods. Good nutrition is essential in your fight against heart disease, and autumn offers some of the most colorful-and healthful-foods. To stay heart healthy, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you stick to a diet that includes: At least 4.

New research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. Red meat is making headlines again. This time, new research links the consumption of red meat to an increased risk of bladder cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the U.S. The Study In the National Institutes of Health and AARP's Diet and Health...

If you've got erectile dysfunction, you may also be at risk for cardiac issues. If you already have erectile dysfunction, chances are you feel like you've got enough on your plate. But here's something else to worry about: you also run an increased risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Studies show that erectile dysfunction (ED), a common condition, is primarily a vascular disease and may be a marker for hidden cardiovascular disease, according to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Pain relievers are linked to increased risk factors for heart disease. If you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for minor aches and pains, you may be putting yourself at risk for cardiovascular disease.  At least that's what researchers say in a new report published in the July issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

According to recent studies, exposure to some common pathogens (infectious organisms) may raise the risk of having a stroke. Exposure to some common pathogens (infectious organisms) may raise the risk of having a stroke, according to a study published in the Archives of Neurology. The study, led by Mitchell Elkind, M.D., associate professor of neurology at Columbia University...

When you think of strokes, you probably think it only happens to adults. In fact, pediatric stroke also exists and it’s important to know the signs of this serious condition in case your child is at risk. When you think of strokes, you probably think it only happens to adults. In fact, pediatric stroke also exists and it's important to know the signs of this serious condition in case your child is at risk. Pediatric Stroke While pediatric stroke is rare, it does happen, affecting about 3 in every 100,000 children every year.

Find out how a Japanese vine could help manage metabolic syndrome and decrease your risk of heart disease. A fast-growing vine long considered a nuisance because it takes over everything in its path (including ten million acres in the Southeast) may have redeeming qualities after all. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that kudzu, a vine imported from Japan, may help manage metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes a group of risk factors that increase the chance for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Men who feel stressed at work are at a greater risk of having a stroke. Every 45 seconds someone has a stroke in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Furthermore, stroke is the third most common cause of death in the country. Studies show that high blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke with various lifestyles factors increasing this risk, such as obesity, lack of exercise, diet, drug use, alcohol, smoking and stress.

If you've recently had a stroke, there is a lot you need to consider. If you've suffered a stroke recently, you are not alone. Each year, nearly 800,000 people--and about 55,000 more women than men--will have a stroke. Stroke is a sort of "brain attack" in which a blood clot blocks an artery from carrying blood from the heart to the body or a blood vessel breaks, cutting off blood flow to the brain.

Health officials assert that cardiovascular disease is preventable in many cases. Find out if you’re at risk for stroke and what you should—or must—do about it. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the country and a major contributing factor to disability. Every year there are approximately 600,000 strokes that cause about 158,000 deaths. For 2005, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that the cardiovascular disease would cost the U.

You exercise, eat right, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excess stress. Complete your health puzzle by learning your family's health history. Why is it important to know what maladies your relatives have suffered from? Certain diseases, such as sickle-cell anemia, are inherited, passed down from generation to generation in the form of DNA abnormalities. Others, such as cancer or heart disease, may strike seemingly at random.

Each year we hear of the latest in medical innovations. Although these improvements amaze us at times, the majority of Americans will never come in contact with the latest breakthroughs…or so you think. In 1928, Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming demonstrated penicillin’s antibiotic properties. However, it was not until 1942 that the now common antibiotic was available for mass production. Likewise, the first approved flu vaccine was developed by the United States military during World War II; however, it was not available for the public until the late 1950s.

Find out why women are at such a high risk for heart disease. Though men are still perceived to comprise the majority of heart disease sufferers, as women age, their heart attack risk starts to equal that of men's. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death among older women, with about twice as many dying of cardiovascular disease than all the cancers combined.

Find out what you can do to prevent the number one killer of American women. Heart disease should be a concern for every American. According to The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States. However, among all U.S. women who die each year, one in four dies of heart disease.

Learn what you can do to protect yourself from this debilitating health threat. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. And although many people survive these medical emergencies, the disease can have a devastating impact, not only on the survivor, but on everyone who cares about him or her.

These potential health hazards can cause a perfect summer day to turn tragic. Summer is traditionally a time for sand, surf, and fun in the sun. But unfortunately, some of the season's activities can put both adults and children at risk for serious accidents, from broken bones to heatstroke and even drowning. How can you protect your family from these potential perils? Read on as we reveal the four deadliest dangers of summer—and what you can do to keep from being a victim.

Think the salon is just a place to be pampered? You may be getting much more than you bargained for. Mad cow disease, hepatitis, fungus, even stroke—these can all result from a day of relaxation and beautification at the salon. Beauty is only skin deep, but you're going to have to look beyond the surface to make sure your next trip to the beauty parlor leaves you pampered and free of these nine frightening health risks: 1.

Early steps in childhood to keep cholesterol low can help reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke later in life. High cholesterol is often thought of as an adult's health concern. However, research shows that parents may need to start thinking about the cholesterol levels of their children. In fact, it's now believed that coronary artery disease, which is caused by a buildup of cholesterol and plaque in the arteries and leads to heart disease and stroke, begins in childhood.

Learn about the inexpensive and no-cost resources available to help prevent this potentially deadly disease. Meningococcal disease, or bacterial meningitis, is a rare and potentially deadly disease marked by the inflammation of the thin tissue that envelopes the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. (Viral meningitis, a less serious form of the disease, is the result of a virus entering the body through the nose or mouth and traveling to the brain.

There is currently no cure for epilepsy, but with the right treatment, most people with the condition can lead normal, fulfilling lives. More than 2 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with epilepsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). But as common as epilepsy is, stigmas about the condition have only recently begun to be dispelled.

More people are being diagnosed with brain tumors than ever before. Find out why. Both Senator Ted Kennedy and golfer Seve Ballesteros have undergone surgeries to remove brain tumors in recent months. The frightening diagnosis of a brain tumor is one that no one ever wants to hear. And, yet, it seems like it's becoming increasingly more common among people well-known and people unknown.

Do you know your LDL, HDL, and triglyceride numbers? Learn how to decipher these terms and reduce your disease risk. At this point, it's no secret that high cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease or stroke. But many Americans may not know their cholesterol numbers or what they mean. In addition to keeping your levels in check by making healthy lifestyle choices, follow these guidelines to learn what your cholesterol levels are and what they mean.

These numbers could potentially save your life. Your phone number, credit-card pin, social-security digits—these are all crucial numbers to remember. And according to health experts, you should also commit another set of numbers to memory. Why? These numbers could potentially save your life: Total cholesterol LDL bad cholesterol HDL good cholesterol Total cholesterol is, of course, the total of your low-density (LDL) cholesterol, high density (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.