Archive for May, 2014

Stroke Risk- Are You in Danger?

Posted on: May 6th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

stroke risk

May is National Blood Pressure Month. High blood pressure or hypertensions is a leading cause of stroke and Brevard Medical Equipment wants you to be aware of the risk factors for stroke and who is at greatest risk.

While high blood pressure is a major stroke contributor, there are many other causes of stroke. Some are preventable, but some are not. What are some of those risks?

Race and ethnicity play a big role. Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islanders have higher risk than Caucasians while African Americans have twice the risk of stroke when compared to Caucasians.

People with a family history of stroke are at a higher risk. If a family member has had a stroke, everyone in the family has a higher risk of stroke. Talk to your family and ask about what ailments run in the family.

What gender has higher stroke risk? Women suffer more strokes each year than men. One of the main reasons is because women live longer than men and stroke occurs more often at older ages. Annually, about 55,000 more women than men have strokes in the United States. Women are twice as likely to die of a stroke as breast cancer.

Stroke risk increases with age. After the age of 55, stroke risk doubles for every decade a person is alive. As we mentioned before, that is why women have more strokes than men.

If you have had a stroke already, you are more likely to have another one. About 5 to 14 percent of the people who have a stroke this year will have a second one and add to the damage. Preventing another stroke needs to be a top priority.

Remember that the more factors you have to add together, the greater your stroke risk and the greater your efforts to prevent stroke need to be.

If you have a loved one recovering from a stroke, Brevard Medical Equipment carries equipment and supplies including dressing aids, walkers and wheelchairs to help make life easier.

Top 4 Ways to Care for the Caregiver

Posted on: May 6th, 2014 by BrevardBlogger No Comments

caregiver

Since Mother’s Day is in May, Brevard Medical Equipment wants to talk about the role of the caregiver and caring for aging moms and dads, and spouses and children with disabilities or injuries.

The needs of the caregiver are often overlooked by the person getting the care, the other family members and the caregiver themselves.  Here are some caregiving tips and advice to make the process easier.

  1. Educate yourself on any conditions that are impacting the person you are caring for. The internet is a great source for information, but don’t trust everything you read. Doctors, nurses and support groups have great information too. Remember to trust your instincts. Be open to new ideas, but if any part of the caring process or even what the professional says doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
  2. Don’t be afraid to seek help. Remember that you don’t have to be the only caregiver. Ask. For. Help. Reach out for help with other family, friends and local agencies. Rely on those friends and family and if friends and family ask how you’re doing, tell them and tell them honestly. They may not have any idea what’s going on in the situation and may be willing to help. Remember to talk to other caregivers about the unique trials of caregiving. You’ll learn more and learn that you’re not alone.
  3. Don’t hurt yourself or your back. There are many dressing aids, walkers and wheelchairs that can help. Talk to the experts at Brevard Medical Equipment and let us help. If the person is too large to handle, it violent or abusive, you may need to have more help to keep you (and them) safe.
  4. Remember that caring for the caregivers is the focus and if you are the caregiver, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Watch for signs of depression or exhaustion in yourself. You are no good to them if you are mentally and physically worn out or sick. Don’t hesitate to seek treatment and don’t feel guilty for doing it.

If you need assistance in providing care for your aging parents, Brevard Medical Equipment is here to help, so don’t hesitate in contacting us.