Understanding Strokes

A stroke is kind of a strange word for a health problem. If someone has a stroke it means something has stopped the normal blood flow to the brain. Strokes usually happen to older people. Teenagers and children don't typically get them.

Blood is circulating through your body all the time in tubes called arteries and veins. Usually, these blood vessels work fine and there's no problem. That's important because blood carries oxygen to all the cells in your body. And without oxygen, the cells would die.

A stroke can happen if something keeps the blood from flowing as it should. A person might have a clogged blood vessel, so the blood can't get through. Or a blood vessel may burst and a part of the brain is suddenly flooded with blood. Either way, with a stroke, brain cells die because they don't get the oxygen they need.

Preventing Strokes
Some strokes can be prevented in adults. Here are some stroke-prevention tips for grown-ups:
Don't smoke.
Don't drink too much alcohol.
Eat healthy and be active. This can help lower cholesterol.
Check blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major cause of stroke.
Don't ignore problems such as: heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Understanding Strokes Choose the best answer. 1. A stroke can happen if something keeps the blood ___________? from flowing as it should running up hill whistling 2. A person might have a _____________? gap between their teeth clogged artery 3. _________ may die? Brain cells Leg hair 4. Stroke prevention tip: eat an onion before every meal eat chives before every meal don't smoke 5. Stroke prevention tip: walk backwards whenever possible eat healthy food 6. Stroke prevention tip: jewelry be active - walking, swimming, biking ... 7. It is also important not to: ____________________ ? ignore heart disease, high cholesterol, or diabetes sit on grass Press when complete. Your score: