Brain Aneurysms

Sometimes, despite our best efforts at taking care of ourselves, something really traumatic occurs. This is the case with one of our friends, who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm just before Thanksgiving. Phillip didn't smoke, exercised every day and ate a healthy diet. So, through no fault of his own, he is now in intensive care and we are praying for his complete recovery. He underwent surgery to drain the blood and has made progress so far.

A brain aneurysm is a bulging, weak area of an artery supplying blood to the brain. There are often no symptoms but if it ruptures, blood is released into the skull causing a stroke. This can lead to brain damage or death but a good recovery is possible.

The tendency to develop aneurysms can be inherited or can occur due to hardening of the arteries (heart disease) as we age. The following risk factors can increase the chances of developing an aneurysm or rupturing it if you already have one:
1. family history - if a close relative had one, you are more likely to have them
2. having had a previous aneurysm makes you more likey to have another
3. gender - women are more likely to have them
4. race - blacks are more likely to develop brain aneurysms
5. high blood pressure
6. smoking

You can see that even though sometimes bad things happen to people who take care of their health, it is still worthwhile to take care of your own. Our friend has a much better chance for recovery because his overall health is good. He has low cholesterol and good blood pressure, plus he is in good physical shape. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts.

Speaking of your health, I hope you've been exercising and didn't eat too much this Thanksgiving. I missed a couple of days of exercise but I got right back to my routine yesterday, as did my husband. I really cut back on my portions this year. I will be writing about portion control on Thursday, so check back in. Till then, have a health, happy day!