Friday, May 17 2013 11:59 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:59:20 GMT
The family of an Albany teenager who died on Friday, isn't sure how they'll pay for her funeral. 16-year old Keyanna Lang died from a heart condition. Due to her illness the family couldn't keep lifeMore >>
The family of an Albany teenager who died on Friday, isn't sure how they'll pay for her funeral.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 11:58 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:58:09 GMT
A student-led effort to help cancer survivors ended up being a big success at a Lee County School. Friday students at Twin Oaks elementary school donated the proceeds from their effort to the Cancer CoalitionMore >>
A student-led effort to help cancer survivors ended up being a big success at a Lee County School. Friday students at Twin Oaks elementary school donated the proceeds from their effort to the Cancer Coalition of Southwest Georgia.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:12 GMT
Furloughs for Marine Corps Logistics Base workers could start in less than two months. About 2,000 workers at the Albany base will have to take up to 11 unpaid days off in the next fiscal year that startsMore >>
Furloughs for Marine Corps Logistics Base workers could start in less than two months.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 11:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:43:28 GMT
The Rat Pack came back to Albany Friday night. Sinatra and Friends performed at Doublegate Country Club to raise money for the Albany Symphony Association. The guys who play the roles of Frank Sinatra,More >>
People danced the night away to Frank Sinatra tunes.More >>
Friday, May 17 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:34:50 GMT
Albany trauma specialist say most of the trauma cases they see result from car crashes, and too many of those crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Now they're spreading a message in honor of TraumaMore >>
Albany trauma specialist say most of the trauma cases they see result from car crashes, and too many of those crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Now they're spreading a message in honor of Trauma Awareness Month.More >>
July 8, 2003
Albany - Nearly a third of all adults have an undiagnosed heart defect that may cause a stroke. And, you likely don't even know you have this defect. A Patent Foramen Ovale, or PFO, is a small opening in the heart that usually closes at birth. But, about 30% of adults still have a PFO without knowing it. The hole allows blood clots that might form in the legs to move to the left side of heart and up to the brain. The clots can cause a potentially deadly stroke.
"Autopsy results show a relatively high percentage of stroke patient had a PFO," said Cardiologist Dr. Steven Wolinsky. "But, most people live a healthy life without any problems from the often undetected heart defect." An echocardiogram can detect a PFO. Doctors use blood thinners to lower your chance of developing a blood clot. Surgery is a last step approach to repair larger PFO's.
Blood clots often form in the legs after long periods of inactivity, such as a lengthy plane or car trip. Dr. Wolinsky gives a few tips to stopping a blood clot.
First, start taking blood-thinning aspirin 3 days before the trip. Stay well hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Move around periodically - walk in the isle of the plane. And while seated, flex your ankles and massage your legs. If you travel often, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting tested for a PFO. But, Dr. Wolinsky stresses there is no proof that PFOs lead to strokes.
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