Risk Factors of Strokes

Introduction

A stroke is the death of brain tissue due to lack of blood flow and insufficient oxygen to the brain. In Pleasing the Ghost, Uncle Arvie suffered a stroke before his death that affected his ability to talk. A stroke can also affect a person's ability to move as it may paralyze one part or one whole side of your body. You are a medical assistant for Dr. Green. Dr. Green is conducting a medical study concerning the prevention of strokes. He is looking for subjects who have the most risk factors for having a stroke. Your job is to determine which one of his four subjects is most at risk for having a stroke.

The Task

You will need to review the material concerning strokes and make a list of 10 risk factors for strokes. Three of the risk factors must be factors that you CANNOT control. Seven of the risk factors will be things that you CAN control. You will then use this to review the profiles listed below for the four subjects for Dr. Green's study. Only one of them can be used.

GARY is a 27-year-old male who works out three times a week. He admits to a history of illegal drug use and is a smoker. He does not have a family history of strokes.

LUCY is a 42-year-old female who has high blood pressure. She does not smoke, but does not work out very much. She is also a recovering alcoholic. There is no family history of strokes.

LANCE is a 57-year-old African American male who weighs 350 pounds. He is a smoker and has high blood pressure. He also has a family history of strokes.

CHYNA is a 18-year-old African American female. She is diabetic. She works out on a regular basis and weighs 125 pounds. There is a family history of strokes in her family. She is a nonsmoker and does not drink alcohol.

The Process

  1. Work together to review the material about risk factors for strokes listed in the resources section. You will need to visit each of the sights before making your list. You may print out any of the lists that you would like in order to compare them. Ask for any needed help with the reading of the material.
  2. Review the resources to make your list of 10 risk factors.
  3. Review the profiles of the subjects.
  4. Put a check next to each person's name for each risk factor that they possess.
  5. Working individually, determine which of the subjects is most appropriate for Dr. Green's study.

The Resources

FAQ for Brain Attack/Stroke SIG Click on the link for risk factors.
Health-Center.Com Info on Strokes Click on risk factors.
Stroke: Are You at High Risk?
Stroke Information Library Click on Prevention--Reducing Risks.
Stroke Education Click on Risk Factors and Prevention Tips.
What You Need To Know About Stroke Click on both Treatable Risk Factors and Factors that Increase Risk.

Conclusion

By completing this webquest, you will be able to recognize the risk factors of having a stroke and reduce any factors that you may have. You will be evaluated by completing the list of 10 risk factors and choosing the correct subject for Dr. Green's study.