Archive for March, 2008
Leading killer
Stroke is the killer number three and adult disability factor number one in the United States and Europe. It takes away the life of more than 150 000 people every year in the US; and affects some 800 000 new or recurrent stroke sufferers yearly. A definite medical emergency and life-threatening neurological injury affecting people’s health on a global scale, stroke can cause permanent brain damage and death. More than 65 billion USD will be required this year to meet related medical costs.
Tough but possible
If left undiagnosed, stroke will become the leading cause of worldwide deaths. Although the symptoms are not easily identifiable it is vital to recognise, diagnose and treat a stroke victim as quick as possible. Tough but possible, neurologists are optimistic. They say they can reverse the effects completely provided the stroke victim is brought for treatment within three hours. There’s very little hope beyond that time frame.
Scene of stroke
But a stroke occurs suddenly, so fast that it shocks bystanders. It may happen anywhere, at home, on the road, at work; and you may be the only person on site. Imagine yourself with a victim headlong or otherwise, in a weak and confused state. It could be anyone from your close relative to a dear friend, or a fellow worker. What do you do?
Unless you have been trained to deal with emergencies you’ll panic. Won’t you?
But if you know the techniques of recognising a stroke you can make all the difference. You can save a life; you can prevent the victim from getting crippled for life. How? Let us first of all try to find out what a stroke is and how it affects people.
What is a stroke?
A stroke which is also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or cerebral infarction is a cardiovascular disease. There are two ways a stroke can strike.
First when the blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot (thrombus). This condition is called ischemia (lack of blood supply).
And, secondly, when the blood vessel bursts and causes hemorrhage. In either case the brain is deprived and starts to die.
It is therefore vital to restore the blood flow as quickly as possible. A long period of blood deprivation to the brain may cause nerve cells to die. The brain can be damaged permanently and irreversibly.
A higher death rate is associated with hemorrhagic stroke. But ischemic stroke, also called thrombotic stroke, is more common and accounts for more than 85 per cent of all strokes. It occurs mostly at night or in the early morning. It is often preceded by what is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a “warning stroke” which lasts only a few minutes. If you identify a TIA victim bring him to immediate medical care.
What are the effects of a stroke?
The effects depend largely on where the obstruction or disruption is located and how much the brain is damaged. The brain is a complex organ and functions such that one side of it controls the opposite side of the body.
A stroke in the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the body and the right side of the face. The left side of the body is paralysed and the victim may experience vision problems and memory loss, and display quick, inquisitive behaviour.
A stroke in the left side will affect the right side of the body and left side of the face. The victim may suffer right side body paralysis, experience memory loss and speech problems and display slow, cautious behaviour.
Treatment
As a layman it’s not your job to administer treatment. Leave it to the professionals; neurologists and emergency physicians will act according to the type of stroke. For ischemic stroke they’ll usually administer clot-busting drugs while a surgical intervention would be necessary for hemorrhagic stroke. But these medical specialists are not always on the scene of the accident. Can you as a bystander do anything? How will you handle the situation?
What you can do
Well, at least you can START the process of treatment. Note I said “process”, which means there are other things you can do before effective (professional) treatment is available. Fair enough if you know a bit of first aid principles. It shouldn’t be a big deal if you don’t.
The most important thing is to act promptly. Remember every minute counts. Don’t panic. Recognise the problem and call the ambulance immediately. If you are in Mauritius dial 114; in the US it’s 911, otherwise check your country’s emergency number. You are the key person here. You are going to START the treatment. How will you recognise the symptoms? Follow the steps below and give a clear description of your own observations to the emergency team once they are on site:
S – The patient cannot SMILE if asked to; there’s sudden numbness of the face
T – If you ask him to TALK he is incoherent
A – He is not ALERT; has trouble seeing and suffers severe headache
R – He cannot RAISE both arms; there’s loss of balance; he cannot walk
T – His TONGUE is crooked or sways sideways.
Don’t forget you have only three hours for a proper treatment; and the victim needs to be hospitalized within an hour of the occurrence of the stroke in order to allow for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
Learn also to know who are vulnerable to stroke
Basically the risk factors are the same as for other cardiovascular diseases. People with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, migraine with aura, previous history of stroke or TIA; cigarette smokers; cases of atrial fibrillation, thrombophilia (a thrombosis tendency) and older aged persons are most at risk.
What next?
Take your health in your hands. Doctors cannot do it all. Once you are aware of the risk factors you can take action to reduce the risk of recurrent episodes of stroke. Cardiovascular complications are the result of unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, improper diet or uncontrolled medication. You can prevent a stroke if you adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you feel you are at risk or you have ever experienced a TIA there’s no better way to keep it under control. Here’s what you can do:
• If you are diabetic and hypertensive try to keep these under control. Very often people are not aware they have diabetes and hypertension until they are diagnosed as a result of an emergency
• Practise physical exercise, control your weight
• Control your diet, eat healthy
• If you smoke, quit.
Alternatively medical specialists may prescribe drugs to “thin” the blood.
If you follow the above carefully you’ll go a long towards keeping the stroke incidence at a low level. Not only you’ll contribute to a healthier world population, you’ll also help save billions of dollars for fighting against this big killer.
Further reading:
- American Heart Association
- National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- KNOW STROKE: KNOW THE SIGNS. ACT IN TIME
Alfa King MemoriesAlfa King is a Mauritius-based blogger and emerging copywriter and freelance writer. He is a former editor of trade union newsletter and has contributed articles for various in-house magazines and newsletters. He has written technical papers for trade unions, employers and professional organisations. As a professional in Occupational Safety & Health, First Aider and advisor in Human Resources he has worked with both public and private bodies and conducted training programmes at various levels.
One year already, since I started and launched this blog, my first ever encounter in the blogosphere. It’s been a passionate journey into the world of writing. I do indeed have to confess, I learnt a lot from this, shall I now call it, hobby. Battling in the field of pros was kind of very exciting, enriching and above all inspiring. That’s the least I can say.
I didn’t choose to launch my blog site on the day I started it, that is on the eve of the independence and republic day of my country. “It’s a mere coincidence that I start my first blog on this auspicious occasion of our independence,” read one of the lines in my first post Figures 39 and 15 on 12 and 3, which ended with “It’s a day for me to take the first bold step…”
I’m still wondering on this mathematical-puzzle-type heading, and whether it was appropriate to the story. With hindsight I find it somewhat funny. Anyway I was just taking the plunge into the ocean of letters, figures and characters. “Survive if you can, or never ever dare show yourself again,” I pledged to myself.
Bold step it was indeed; hardest for being the first. I never knew I could keep up with the rhythm: 167 posts; OK not too much, not too little either, about one post every two days on the average. Not fair enough as a part timer? Agree, at times it could’ve been all crap. But that’s what it may be like when you set off crafting.
Each moment is one where your adrenalin is at its highest. Often getting wrecked looking for the right words, gone for ever once lost. Who hasn’t had a ready-to-burst itching head? Is it always swift writing? Who can tell?
And then you realise that the stumbling blocks on your way and your never-let-go temperament are what help mould your craft with renewed vigour. That’s what brought me to where I find myself today; not much of perfect, but still better than the novice I was on the same day last year.
Would I convince you if I told you it’s damn hard work? Those who’ve been through this journey know what I mean, unless they were born bloggers or writers (Is there something like a “born” blogger or writer?) like the born “leaders”.
I wouldn’t be the blogger I am (granted I have yet a long way to go), had I not peeped in and drunk from the well of other experienced and well-established bloggers and writers, although I didn’t always leave any comment. It isn’t pretty much my thing to comment just for the sake, I’m sorry. A comment is worth when it adds value to the discussion. Skelliewag knows what I’m talking about. Skellie found in me the “most valuable commenter of the week” for my “thoughtful” comments in her “Ask the Readers: What’s Your Definition of Success?”
Incidentally, you may wish to read her remarks in her subsequent post Ask the Readers: Where are the Holes in Your Leaky Bucket?
You’ll also find a reflection of the comments in my own post
From a strictly writing perspective I have been particularly impressed and inspired by renowned professionals like Darren Rouse (Pro-Blogger), Skellie (Skelliewag), Nick Daws (My Writing Blog), Linda Jones (Freelance Writing Tips), Suzanne Harris (Suzie – My Digital Desk) to name but a few; the list would be too long.
But on the technical side I have to say it loud: I am greatly indebted to my webmaster, Wakish. From the design and layout to the theme and avatar, from free to a paid hosting service with my own domain name, the credit goes to him only. He’s the one who’s been by my side, always, since the inception. His excellent workmanship and his unflinching technical support, guidance and collaboration have been determinant in the process of realising and hosting of this site. It was all Greek to me. Would it suffice to just say thank you so much Wakish? For one thing, no money can compensate for the perseverance you had in putting up things for me.
Well, folks if you find me still afloat it’s thanks to your trusted readership and support. And if you’ve been through my welcome and about pages, you should already be aware that Alfa King Memories is dedicated to sharing knowledge and experiences with a view to honing one’s writing. This is still valid today and will ever be; more so with enhanced professionalism and commitment to excellence.
One year after, am I still crawling? Or toddling? Am I, like my country, able to stand on my own feet? You know, one can never be objective towards oneself. You people are better placed to gauge how I’ve been faring. So use my comment box. Tell me how I can improve. More than a stumbling-block, criticism is for me a propellant, a stepping-stone, keep this in mind.
How will I rate the success of my blog? I don’t have a straightforward answer. I’d define success in terms of the extent of feeling of satisfaction and recognition I derive in the step-by-step realization of the goal I’ve set. It’s a passionate journey, as I said at the beginning, and each day is a fulfilment in itself, a success for my blog.
I’ll end up with Gabry PONTE’s My Butterfly lyrics:
Fly or never fly, across the sky fly forever fly my butterfly fly or never fly,
across the sky fly forever fly my butterfly every time I close my eyes
I can fly across the sky I spread my wings I feel fine I see my world so blue
and no doubts I’d seel my life for a dream come true
live one day and then I’ll die like a butterfly. I fly, I fly, I fly.
Cheers.
You’ve established your blog and started writing. Yeah? That’s a bold step into the world of writing. The first step is always the hardest. Alfa King Memories is not privy to this. But you’d understand from my previous post that it’s a great opportunity to practise your writing skills. As you proceed you’ll see the avenues are numerous.
However, there’s no single way you can break into print if you are serious about it. OK, I know you are determined. That’s why you are here. But it all depends on how you look at it although you may not be an expert in a particular field.
Go ahead, slowly but surely, as they say. Grab the area you are most at ease; but don’t neglect those that might offer opportunities for steady income if you get to master the skills. Press release is one of them. That’s exactly what we are going to see together in this post. Can I ask a question before we proceed?
What is a press release?
Any guess? OK, let’s find out.
Put simply a press release is a statement, and as its name implies it is meant for the press. The aim is to announce a product or service or whatever that is newsworthy in order to get media coverage at no cost. In other words it’s a free publicity opportunity for the item presented.
What a press release is not
No shrugging. I can legitimately anticipate your question: “But is it not advertising?” No it isn’t. Advertising is different. It uses a different language, boasting and flowery style. It aims at appealing to the customer with a view to persuade them to buy a product or service.
In a press release you are not selling. The aim is not to sell. You are not talking to the customer. If you followed me I mentioned “newsworthy” and “media coverage”. This implies:
(i) You are writing for a particular audience: the press or the media, which is not interested in buying something. The media seeks rather to fill the need for news. The press release should therefore appeal first and foremost to this target audience.
(ii) The press release should answer the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why) of the news item and provide as much information as possible.
A word of caution however:
But beware. Don’t overwrite. Stick to the KISS principle. Keep it short, simple (I won’t say silly or stupid, because you need to be serious here. We are talking business).
Write it all in a business tone. Avoid emotion. Be factual. Use active voice; avoid jargon and too flowery language; be objective but provide adequate background information about the product or service including corporate profile.
A well written press release should be no more than 400 to 500 words.
Are you still with me? So before wrapping up, let’s cast a glance at the constituents of a press release.
What are the elements of a press release?
A typical press release will be composed of elements such as:
(i) A headline – a single line that tells what the press release is about. It should grab the attention of the journalist for whom you are writing. So if you can write from a journalist’s perspective you’ve got it.
(ii) A dateline – the release date and usually the city of origin.
(iii) A summary – a synopsis of the news to be released, elaborating on the headline.
(iv) An introduction – a first paragraph with basic information to grab the attention.
(v) A body – a paragraph giving further details and explanation.
(vi) An about section – also called a “boilerplate”, providing corporate background information.
(vii) A Contact information section – spelling out the name, telephone number, mailing address, e-mail or any other means the media can reach the company.
Hold on; not finished yet. How would you indicate the end of the press release? Simple, insert the characters “# # #” or “-30-” at the bottom of the page.
That’s it folks. Whether you’ve decided to write a press release or otherwise, I hope you find it useful. I’d welcome any other viewpoints, suggestions or comments.
If you want to read further I’d suggest the following:
- How to Write a Proper Press Release
So you want to break into writing? You are stuck somewhere? While you are still trying to juggle with your first words your neighbours are already way ahead of you. “Is there a magic formula?” You start asking yourself. “Why can’t I make it?” The hard facts are that you don’t become a writer overnight; some people end up writing although they didn’t want to; and still there are those who never become writers however they strive. You understand what I mean?
Well, don’t get complacent about it. Writing has never been so easy, so accessible, and so affordable. Numerous tools are available and we cannot deny the significant contribution of the electronic media to that effect. All we need is to get to know how we can make the best use of what is at hand. If we can learn from the experiences and the guidance of established writers and professionals in the domain, there’s no reason we can’t achieve our goals.
That is why I’d suggest you read about what a professional writer and editor has to say. “Establish a blog and start writing!” advises London-based travel writer, Caitlin Fitzsimmons. It gives “an immediate outlet and the opportunity to practise writing and get feedback from readers”.
Caitlin was interviewed by Kiwiwriter at Write to Travel blog. This interview addresses various pertinent issues about writing; and Caitlin is very firm on them. Like, for example, she doesn’t advocate “writing for free” as you’ll be “doing yourself and your profession a disservice”. And she advises you to “try to hang on to copyright”, which is quite akin to what I expressed in my previous post.
Anyone willing to get into writing, travel writing in particular, may find this interview useful. As she was interviewed for a travel writing blog, Caitlin talks extensively about travel writing, the future of travel writers and challenges of travel writing before giving us an insight of the wonderful island of Tasmania which is her favourite place.
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