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You're not too young to have a stroke

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Strokes don't only happen to older people. A new study has found that stroke rates among young and middle-aged people worldwide are increasing and these groups now account for nearly one-third of all strokes.

Risk factors for a stroke include high blood pressure, smoking, cardiovascular disease and age. Unfortunately some people also have a family history of stroke.

You can lower your risk by losing weight, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat, quitting smoking, managing your stress levels and making time for relaxation.

Stroke symptoms include the following:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden loss of speech, trouble speaking or understanding language
  • Sudden loss of vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes, or having double vision
  • Sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or dizziness
  • Sudden severe headache with no cause

Remember, stroke is a medical emergency. If you notice any of these warning signs act fast!

Stroke: act fast and save a life


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