I can’t believe it’s already summer on Cape Cod! Welcome to the madness, and let’s make sure we’re all staying hydrated to fight off all the crazies (summer visitors), as the kids (my grandparents) call them. If you aren’t hydrated, you definitely won’t have the energy to find the last remaining parking spot in Patriot Square by around 10 AM.
So, what’s been happening in my life? Well, as I’m sure some of you can relate, life is never predictable. As I mentioned in my last article, it’s always best to be prepared. Let me tell you about some recent events in the lives of the kids and me.
Last month, it was a day like any other—the flowers were starting to bloom. I came home from work, and my grandparents were in great spirits. Gram had just finished her latest novel and was giving her sock drawer a long-overdue makeover. I embarked on the culinary adventure of crafting taco salads—and, of course, my grandfather couldn’t dream of eating a full salad for dinner, let alone a taco salad. My grandmother came in to assist in creating a dish fit for his majesty’s refined palate. We sat down to eat dinner, and I started asking them about their day and asked my grandmother about the book she was planning to read next. I knew she was very excited to read this next book about Fall River, where she’s from. Gram loves to chat about growing up in Fall River!
I asked her about the book because I wanted to know more, but when she went to answer, she couldn’t. I figured she must have a mouthful, so I said, “OK, Gram, wait till you’re finished with that big mouthful, then tell me.” But when I asked again, she still couldn’t get the words out. I started to get nervous; I knew something was not right. I rushed to grab the blood pressure cuff, our nightly ritual since her high blood pressure stroke a year ago.
- High Blood Pressure and Hemorrhagic Stroke: High blood pressure can also lead to hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Although less common, it accounts for about 13% of all strokes. By the time I got back into the kitchen, I noticed her arm doing something weird, almost just hanging or going limp. Something in me registered “stroke,” but this time the other kind—probably the kind most people think of when they think of stroke.
- Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic stroke accounts for about 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. Common causes include blood clots and narrowed arteries. Managing risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is crucial to reducing the risk.
To be continued…
-Kelli
