Anna Shay, the beloved star of Netflix' popular reality show “Bling Empire,” passed away on June 5th at the age of 62 due to a stroke.
Anna Shay, a legendary figure, had a fascinating background. Her father was Edward Shay, a renowned American arms dealer, and her mother was the daughter of Kokuseki Oizumi, a prominent Japanese literary figure. It is rumored that her net worth was $600 million. The news of Anna Shay’s passing has shocked many, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life. Stroke shows no regard for wealth, affecting individuals from all walks of life.
A stroke occurs when there is a blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to impaired brain cell function, and it often occurs suddenly. Mild stroke symptoms can result in partial paralysis, while severe symptoms can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to recognize the warning signs of a stroke.
Here are some common early signs of a stroke
- Severe headache. Sudden onset of intense headaches, possibly accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness.
- Weakness or numbness. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or in the limbs, particularly on one side of the face, or one side of an arm or leg.
- Speech difficulties. Unclear speech or difficulty understanding language, which may manifest as slurred speech, language confusion, or inability to find the right words.
- Vision problems. Blurred vision, narrowed field of vision, or loss of vision in one eye.
- Balance difficulties. Imbalance, difficulty walking, or unexpected falls.
- Severe dizziness or fainting. Sudden onset of intense dizziness or fainting episodes.
- Severe neck pain. Intense neck pain, possibly accompanied by headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
Reduce the Risk of Stroke
Each year, some 800,000 people in the United States suffer from a stroke, and more than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and older experience reduced mobility after a stroke. Fortunately, risk can be reduced through lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and acupuncture.- Healthy eating. Maintain a balanced and varied diet that includes adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy proteins, and low-fat foods. Reduce the consumption of foods high in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fats.
- Blood pressure control. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for stroke. It is important to maintain a healthy weight, limit sodium intake, engage in moderate exercise, reduce alcohol consumption, regularly monitor blood pressure, and follow your doctor’s suggestions for treatment.
- Blood glucose control. Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is vital for individuals with diabetes. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan, regularly monitor blood glucose levels, and maintain healthy dietary and exercise habits.
- Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of stroke and provide many other health benefits.
- Moderate alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke. If you choose to drink alcohol, be sure to limit your daily consumption.
- Regular exercise. Maintaining regular physical activity can lower the risk of stroke. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
- Weight management. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of stroke. Weight management can be achieved through healthy eating and regular exercise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches for Stroke Prevention
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilizes herbal remedies and formulas to prevent strokes. The specific choices depend on an individual’s constitution, symptoms, and diagnosis. Following are some commonly used Chinese herbs for stroke prevention.Chuan Xiong is widely used to address blood circulation issues. It possesses blood-activating and stasis-dissipating properties, thus promoting blood circulation and reducing the risk of blood clot formation.
Dan Shen is a Chinese herb known for its blood-activating and stasis-dissipating properties. It can improve blood circulation, protect endothelial cells, lower blood pressure, and inhibit platelet aggregation.
Hong Hua possesses blood-activating and stasis-dissipating properties and is commonly used in the treatment of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. It can promote blood circulation, alleviate pain, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
Tao Ren possesses blood-activating, stasis-dissipating, and analgesic properties. It can promote blood circulation, reduce blood viscosity, and prevent blood clot formation.
San Qi is widely used for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. It possesses blood-activating and stasis-dissipating properties and can help lower blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation.
Acupuncture Points for Stroke Prevention
Additionally, regular massage or acupuncture targeting specific acupoints can help reduce the risk of stroke.- Dazhui acupoint. Located in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebra, it is an important acupoint used to regulate blood circulation in the head and neck and to alleviate symptoms such as neck pain and dizziness.
- Geshu acupoint. Located below the seventh thoracic vertebra. It is used to regulate the functions of the heart and lungs and improve blood circulation.
- Xuehai acupoint. Located above the knee on the inner side of the thigh, it is an important acupoint for stroke prevention and improving blood circulation.
- Yanglingquan acupoint. Located in the depression on the outer side of the knee joint, it is used for regulating the liver and gallbladder systems, promoting blood circulation, and balancing internal qi.
- Taichong acupoint. Located in the depression between the first and second toes on the top of the foot, it is an important acupoint for regulating liver qi and blood circulation. It is also beneficial in stroke prevention and balancing internal qi.
Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but they are generally available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a healthcare professional for a specific treatment plan.
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