You might think that bad weather like storms and heavy winds are the most dangerous for your health. However, it turns out calm weather also poses hidden dangers. According to a study by the Yale School of Public Health, when the temperature changes drastically, even without severe weather, your chance of experiencing a stroke increases significantly. In this article, we will explore this research and its implications for stroke risk.
The Link Between Weather and Strokes
While you wouldn’t necessarily connect weather conditions with stroke risk, researcher Judith H. Lichtman, Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor in epidemiology at Yale, claims that they are among the multiple factors associated with stroke hospitalizations. Lichtman’s research reveals that greater changes in daily temperatures and higher humidity are linked to higher stroke hospitalization rates, and lower average annual temperature is associated with stroke hospitalizations and death.
Her study found that with each 1 degree Fahrenheit increase in average temperature, there is a 0.86 percent decrease in the odds of stroke hospitalization and a 1.1 percent decrease in the odds of dying in the hospital after a stroke. Additionally, increases in daily temperature fluctuation and humidity are associated with increased odds of stroke hospitalization.
What This Means for People at Risk of Strokes
This research suggests that meteorological factors, such as daily fluctuations in temperature and increased humidity, may be stressors that increase stroke hospitalizations. People at risk for stroke should consider avoiding exposure to significant temperature changes and high dew point (high humidity). It’s crucial to remain vigilant and be prepared to act quickly if you or someone you know experiences stroke signs and symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial for you and those around you. The common symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden severe headache with no known cause, and sudden loss of balance or coordination.
To determine whether someone is suffering from a stroke, remember the acronym FAST: Face (check for facial drooping), Arms (check for arm weakness), Speech (check for slurred speech), and Time (call 911 and note the time the symptoms started). Acting quickly can vastly improve the outcome for the stroke victim.
Minimizing Stroke Risk
Aside from avoiding drastic temperature changes and high humidity, there are several ways you can work on minimizing your stroke risk. The most obvious is leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, ceasing smoking, and managing stress.
Additionally, be sure to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly. High blood pressure is one of the most significant stroke risk factors, and controlling your cholesterol is crucial in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Moreover, work with your healthcare provider to manage any pre-existing conditions that may increase your risk of stroke. These can include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).
Don’t Underestimate Calm Weather
While thunderstorms and hurricanes might be more obviously dangerous, calm weather with fluctuating temperatures can be equally hazardous, especially when it comes to stroke risk. Pay attention to temperature changes and humidity levels, and reduce your exposure to these extreme conditions.
Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding how varying weather conditions can affect your health can help you take precautions and minimize your risk for stroke. Remain vigilant and recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke to ensure you and those around you have the best chance for a speedy recovery.
