In recognition of American Heart Month, this video recognizes the 2nd cause of death among American women. Stroke is a complication of cardiovascular disease, CVD (also known as heart disease). The NYTimes.com “Living with…” video chronicles strokes that resulted from heart disease brought on by years of obesity and Type II Diabetes. While heart attack and congestive heart failure affect the vessels of and ultimately the heart itself, stroke is a result of complications in the vessels that supply the brain instead. This results in localized damage to the brain. Unfortunately, many people still do not recognize the signs of a stroke and therefore delay urgently needed treatment. Because every second without treatment counts, learn these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Watch Living with: Stroke

(videos are listed in reverse chronological order on the right, use mouse to highlight and select video titled “Living with: Stroke”, February 2009)

Sources: americanstrokeassociation.org and more about “NYTimes.com Living With: Stroke“, posted with vodpod

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UPDATE February 3, 2009: Former Senator Tom Daschle removed his name from further consideration for confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services amid criticism surrounding delayed payment of taxes in excess of $100,000.00 and the perception of ethical impropriety due to his former work with health care industry clients at the firm Alston & Bird, LLP.