Here is what you saw on Good Day Alabama for January 7, 2013:
DUBBERLY LIVE - Mike Dubberly joined us live from South Florida where he is covering the BCS National Championship game and the Crimson Tide's preparations for tonight's game.
BETH K - Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the U.S. It is also a major cause of disability. About half a million Americans have strokes each year - 150,000 die. Alabama is part of the stroke belt - states where the risk is 10 percent higher than for the rest of the country. Prevention is important and possible: high blood pressure and smoking are two of the biggest contributors to stroke. But knowing the signs of stroke and taking fast action can save someone's life and prevent long term disabilities. UAB Nutritionist Dr. Beth Kitchin joined us with a look at exact what is a stroke and what are the signs? Think of a stroke like a heart attack - only in the brain. There are two kinds of stroke:
-Ischemic stroke happens when a clot in a brain blood vessel blocks blood and oxygen from reaching the brain. Brain cells in the oxygen deprived part of the brain die, causing permanent damage.
-A hemorrhagic stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain weakens and bursts open. Blood leaks into the brain.
Time is the enemy for a stroke victim. If a person with a stroke gets treatment within three hours, the chances of recovery are much higher. So, we all need to know the signs of a stroke to make sure we get people to the emergency as quickly as possible.
There are several signs of stroke including sudden changes in speech, hearing, taste, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, and muscle weakness. But an easy acronym from the National Stroke Association can help you see the signs and act fast - and maybe save a life:
Face: Ask the person you think may be having a stroke to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm shift or drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase after you. Is the speech slurred or strange?
Time: It the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then then it is time to call 9-1-1 immediately.
It is also important to note the time of the onset of these sudden changes. This information can help the emergency team make the right treatment decisions. To print off a wallet card with these tips, go to www.stroke.org.
JEH JEH LIVE - Jeh Jeh joined us live from the Shades Shades Valley YMCA with Mikal Thomas. Today he showed us the latest exercises you can do for the week. For more information, call (205) 870-9622.
ASK THE GARDENER - Libby Rich of Plant Odyssey took questions from viewers about their gardening needs. You can contact her at Plant Odyssey at (205) 324-0566 or visit http://libbysplantodyssey.com/.
Tomorrow on Good Day Alabama, Mike Dubberly continues his coverage from South Beach! He joins us with reaction to tonight's big National Championship Game! Chef Janine Washle joins us with some new recipe ideas for us! Our veterinary specialist joins us with advice on your pet! Jimmy Rockett joins us with gardening advice! And in Money Tuesday we look at how you can follow your financial resolutions in 2013! That and much more tomorrow on Good Day Alabama!