Strokes are not only the leading cause of adults with mental disabilities, but are also the third most common reason for death worldwide (Jarvis, 2012). In general, a stroke, also called a “cerebrovascular accident,” occurs when blood flow from the vascular system fails to reach parts of the brain (Jarvis, 2012). There are two types of stroke, ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, and they differ in how they affect the vascular system. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, accounting for 80% of all strokes, and is due to a thrombus or embolus that blocks the blood vessels supplying the brain (Durukan & Tatlisumak, 2007). A hemorrhagic stroke is less common, but is caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain and causes bleeding (Jarvis, 2012). In both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes, blood vessels are compromised, so blood flow is unable to reach the brain. Restriction of cerebral blood flow results in insufficient nutrients, such as oxygen and glucose, being delivered to the brain. This then discourages metabolic and functional processes (Boss, 2010). As cerebral blood flow decreases, an “ischemic cascade” begins within the cell (Durukan & Tatlisumak, 2007, p. 186). Due to the reduced amount of oxygen and glucose transported to the brain tissue, ATP must be produced anaerobically until oxygen can be supplied. If oxygen and glucose are not supplied in time, ATP stops being produced, membrane receptors lose their function, glutamate is released and an accumulation of intracellular levels of calcium, sodium and chloride occurs (Boss, 2010) . Over time, if the oxygen supply is still inconsistent, acidosis occurs, which causes the formation of free radicals, mitoc...... middle of paper ...... there is an increase significant in the endurance capacity of the heart and vascular system as a result of treadmill training. In conclusion, genograms identify possible genetic predispositions in the acquisition of hereditary diseases. The author's genogram allowed for reflection on important family conditions and provided the author with the opportunity to educate herself about modifying behaviors that can reduce the risk of suffering a stroke. Furthermore, the Gordon activity-exercise model and the nutritional-metabolic model are applied to evaluate personal risks involved in a stroke. By using the nursing process and implementing Gordon's functional health model to assess the elements of a stroke, the author was able to create interventions to promote one's healthy lifestyle while symbiotically reducing the risks of suffering a stroke..