What's a stroke, and are you at risk?

HealthSense Update

When it comes to stroke care, CoxHealth sets the gold standard. Few stroke centers in the nation achieve the level of stroke care offered here.

What's a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die.

Brain damage can begin within minutes, so it's important to know the symptoms of stroke and act FAST.

Podcast: How to recognize a stroke

Podcast: CoxHealth uses unique technology to diagnose a stroke

Beth's Story: I survived a stroke

Quiz: Know your risk

Risk factors for stroke include those you can change and those you can't. Certain diseases and behaviors can increase your risk.

Are you at risk for having a stroke? Find out by taking our quiz.

When birth control and smoking mix

Birth control pills are generally very safe, but when coupled with smoking, a woman's risk for a stroke increases.

In fact, women age 30 to 34 who smoke and take birth control pills are 7 times more likely to have a stroke than women who don't smoke. That risk goes up with age.

Podcast: Smoking and oral contraceptives increase a woman's risk for stroke

Visit our HealthSense resource page for a library of videos, podcasts, magazine articles and patient stories.

If you have comments or suggestions, please e-mail healthsense@coxhealth.com.

Act FAST

Can't remember the symptoms for stroke? Maybe our music video will help.

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Healthy recipes

Here's a healthy sandwich recipe that's perfect for your next picnic. This veggie wrap with creamy avocado is a delicious vegetarian sandwich you can pack up and take on the go.

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