Learn about the symptoms of stroke! Be FAST to make the diagnosis and get help.

In honor of World Stroke Day, let me give you the 411 on strokes. The medical term for stroke is "cerebrovascular accident" or "CVA." 

Our blood carries oxygen and delivers it to all the different cells and organs in our body. Oxygen is important for cells of our body to function normally.

A stroke is a result of decreased blood flow (leading to decreased oxygen delivery) to certain parts of the brain.

Since a stroke affects the brain, symptoms of stroke are related to functioning of the brain and include:

-Drooping of the face

-Weakness of the muscles of the face (where you can't smile, open/close eyes, open/close mouth, etc.)

-Difficulty with talking or slurred speech

-Weakness anywhere in the body, but usually the arms and/or legs

-Sudden and constant changes in vision (loss of vision, double vision, blurred vision)

-Confusion

-Difficulty with swallowing

-Sudden and constant dizziness and lightheadedness

I think a video is worth a thousand words and will help you remember these symptoms better. 
Check out this video of a woman having a stroke on camera:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUzqLeC6XTQ&feature=youtu.be

When it comes to having a stroke, time matters. The more time you wait to see a doctor, the more brain function that you can lose! If you are concerned that you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke, dial 911 right away!

Luckily there are ways to prevent a stroke to some degree...and I will blog more on that tomorrow! 

Look gourmet with this easy, quick and delicious recipe for roasted cauliflower!

Roasted cauliflower is always a crowd favorite & it's so easy to make! You just need 30 mins to roast it up 😉

1 cup is 30 calories & it's the best way to eat calories! 😋Cauliflower is also an excellent source of Vitamin C - 1 cup satisfies 77% of your daily needs! Its also a good source of protein and fiber...and you know I love fiber!

STEPS:
-Preheat oven to 400
-Chop up the cauliflower head into bitesize pieces 

-Drizzle with olive oil
-Sprinkle on some garlic powder
-Sprinkle on some oregano
-Sprinkle on some rosemary
-Sprinkle on some crushed red pepper (optional if you want spice!)
-MIX it up
-Roast until edges are caramel brown

-Add salt and pepper to taste

Bon appetit! So simple...yet you look gourmet :P

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter @Doctor_Deena for more healthy & easy diet tips!

Here's an easy salad recipe with chickpeas...a Meditteranean special that's easy, healthy and delicious!

Here's a complete salad made healthy with a Mediterranean twist. The chickpeas were necessary to keep this salad filling with its protein and fiber. I always recommend adding in some in legumes or high fiber vegetables to keep your salad filling... otherwise you will be hungry in an hour!

STEPS:
-Chop up Romaine lettuce
-Add in one cup garbanzo beans
-Add in 1/2 cup plum tomatoes
-Add in 1/3 cup feta cheese
-Add in 1/2 cup diced green pepper
-Add in 1/4 cup dried raisins
-Drizzle in some olive oil
-Drizzle on some tahini
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Add in 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Sprinkle on some dried basil 
- Mix it up!

As always... easy & delicious! 

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter @Doctor_Deena for more healthy & easy diet tips!

Eat more vegetables when on a diet! Here's an easy recipe that can be used with any vegetable. Less than 30 calories and less than 15 minutes to make!!

 I tell anyone on a diet to eat vegetables and greens anytime they are hungry. 

That's because:

- They are are cheap, especially when bought frozen

- They are easy to make

- They are low calorie, one cup of the non-starchy veggies can be less than 30 calories!

- Most are high in fiber which will keep you full

- They are full of important vitamins

Vegetables make an excellent snack, meal, or side dish. It's low calorie & full of vitamins!

The below recipe can be used with ANY vegetable! It takes less than 15 mins and 1 cup is less than 30 calories! I used turmeric to add more antioxidants to the mix 👍

No one will ever know these veggies came straight from the freezer! They are so good & taste fresh.

STEPS:

-Add 1 teaspoon olive oil to a hot pan

-Add in 1/2 diced onion & cook until light brown

-Add in 2 cloves minced garlic

-Lower heat

-Add in 1 teaspoon cumin

-Add in 1 teaspoon turmeric

-Stir & deglaze the pan if spices stick to pan

-Add in 1 bag of frozen vegetables (ANY variety)

-Sprinkle 1 teaspoon paprika

-Stir

-Cover and cook for 5 minutes on low heat

-Add salt and pepper to taste

As promised.... quick & easy! 👍

As always... easy & delicious! 

Follow me on Instagram or Twitter @Doctor_Deena for more healthy & easy diet tips!