Website Review

by Janice Rodriguez

This month we are going to think about stroke as one of the leading health risks faced. Many websites cover this topic. Some of my favorites are the following:

The Internet Stroke Center, "Reducing Your Risk of Stroke," http://www.strokecenter.org/pat/risk.htm, is a wealth of information on stroke. The risk factors of stroke are categorized as: 1) medical conditions, 2) controllable, and 3) uncontrollable factors. The site has links to other great sites. On the left side of the web page, you can browse other topics like, "How a Stroke is Diagnosed," "Recovering After a Stroke: A Patient and Family Guide," and "Recent Stroke News." I found the information in this site very instructive and up-to-date.

"Separating Myth From Fact: Women and Stroke," http://www.healthatoz.com/healthatoz/Atoz/hc/wom/life/womstrk.html, is a good general site. If you have some time, you can read articles on other health subjects, from "A to Z."

Finally, check out "Your Disease Risk - The Source on Prevention," http://www.yourdiseaserisk.harvard.edu. It is an "interactive tool" to estimate your risk of stroke (cancer and heart disease are covered also). The format is a questionnaire. The resulting rank helps you understand the your general risk. On the same page with your rank, you will see "tips" -- things you can do that impacts your risk. While the result may not be accurate for a person who has already had a stroke, the site is still interesting.

Have fun, eat your vegetables, exercise, and I'll see you next month!

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009