A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks the blood flow in a vessel or artery or when a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happens, brain cells begin to die Recognizing Stroke Symptoms / Warning Signs 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

To lower your risk for a first stroke, follow these guidelines from the National Stroke Association: Know your blood pressure and work with your doctor to prevent or reduce high blood pressure. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation. If you smoke, take steps to quit. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. If you have diabetes, work with your doctor to find the right medication, and make lifestyle changes. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine. Find out if you have high cholesterol. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, when there is no doubt about heart attack. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. It also can feel like heartburn or indigestion. The feeling can be mild or severe. People who have high blood sugar (diabetes) may have no symptoms or very mild ones. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. (above the belly button). Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort: This may be symptom, or it may occur before or along with chest pain or discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness or sudden dizziness. Feeling unusually tired for no reason, sometimes for days (especially in woman) Some people don't have symptoms at all. Heart attacks that occur without any symptoms or with very mild symptoms are called silent heart attacks. As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Some tips for prevention: Regardless of your level of activity, frequently drink nonalcoholic fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Avoid drinks containing large amount of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is high, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: Infants and young children People aged 65 or older People who have a mental illness Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure