FAST. Do you have any idea what that medical acronym stands for? It’s a model that’s incredibly helpful in determining if someone is having a stroke and the immediate steps to take. The FAST Model stands for: 

• F – Face drooping 
• A – Arms dropping 
• S – Speech slurred 
• T – Take immediate action 

Your mom had a mini-stroke. Everyone in the family is now worried about what she should and shouldn’t do. Her doctor said a mini-stroke can be a precursor to a stroke, and that’s all you can focus on. 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., and it’s the fifth leading cause of death. It’s okay to be concerned, but it’s also important to know that she can lower her risk by making lifestyle changes. Your family needs to memorize FAST and know the signs of a stroke. 

Change Her Diet 

One of the first changes should be to improve her diet. Your mom wants to avoid added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. If she’s accustomed to eating frozen dinners and takeout for every meal, it’s time to change that. 

Your mom needs to eat heart-healthy meals with plenty of fresh vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains helping. If she’s craving a burger and fries, a grilled turkey burger on a whole wheat bun is a better option. Instead of fries, toss potato wedges in egg whites and a sodium-free seasoning and bake in the oven. 

Get Enough Exercise 

Your mom needs 30 minutes of moderate activity each day. This doesn’t mean a slow walk around the yard. She needs to pick up the pace and increase her heart rate. It’s ideal for her to alternate daily routines with walks some days, aerobic activities another, and weight training the rest of the week. 

Varied activities ensure your mom gets a full workout of all muscle groups. If she’s not very mobile, ask her doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. She needs to start increasing the amount of exercise she gets each day. 

Stop Smoking 

If your mom is a smoker, she needs to stop. That’s one of the first steps to take, and it may be the hardest for her. Smoking cessation aids like support groups, nicotine gum, and patches may be needed to help her get through the cravings. 

Hire Caregivers to Help Her at Home 

After a stroke, your mom’s world will change. It may be permanent changes or temporary ones. Make sure she has the support she needs to focus on a full recovery. Home care assistance services offer her the help she needs with personal care, transportation, housekeeping, and meals. 

Encourage your mom to change her former habits and take steps to embrace a healthier lifestyle. With caregivers helping out, she’ll have the support she needs to make these changes. Learn more by calling a home care assistance expert. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering home care in Carrollwood, FL please contact the caring staff at Healthy Services Of Tampa, Inc today. 813-932-9922 

Sources: 

https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/about-heart-disease-in-women/facts/facts-causes-risks-and-prevention-of-stroke