One in Four Adults Will Have a Stroke
By Sandy Schroeder
No one likes to think of a stroke, but one in four people over the age of 25 around the world will have a serious stroke during their lifetime, according to Newsmax.
Dr. Gregory Roth, University of Washington, in Seattle, said 23 to 29 percent of people in the U.S. can expect a stroke sometime in their lives.
Roth says this has major health implications for people of all ages, indicating there should be more emphasis on healthy diet, normal weight, and regular exercise for people in their 20s.
In Roth's research results, there was no major difference in stroke risk between men and women. Eighty-five percent of the strokes were caused by clots and 15 percent of strokes were caused by bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
Stroke Risk Factors
The odds go up for people falling into certain categories.
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
The key preventive areas that should be emphasized for young adults are:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diets with fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- No smoking
- No excessive drinking
- Regular checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels
Overall, Dr. Roth said, "Physicians should warn their patients at a much earlier age about actions they can take to prevent stroke and other vascular diseases later in life." He suggested governments could also work to reduce the cost of blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medicines.
Understanding the Impact
If you have ever known anyone who has even had a mini-stroke, you will understand its seriousness. I have seen the impact of mini-strokes, which changed a bright, verbal senior into a sad, depressed, anxious and confused person. I have also seen the effects of a major debilitating stroke in which the face and speech were distorted, and all of the routines of life were radically changed, leaving the person with a miserable existence.
Everyone should be aware of the FAST ways to spot a stroke that is used by the National Stroke Association and the American Heart Association.
- F stands for facial drooping, usually only on one side
- A stands for arm weakness, when arms are raised, one falls back down
- S stands for speech difficulties
- T stands for immediately contacting emergency services
All of us should take steps to improve our own health routines, and be aware of symptoms that might occur with seniors in our households. Wherever you and your family are, the new year might be excellent time to make stroke prevention a priority.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Zionsville, Ind.