Different Strokes For Younger Folks

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By Kac Young PhD, N.D., DCH

heartshinyThe headline read: “Stroke: It’s On the Rise Among Younger People.”

I was shocked to read the words. How can that be? Aren’t we more health-conscious these days and aren’t we taking better care of ourselves? Apparently not! According to Bottom Line Publications, “Many of the so-called ‘age-related’ diseases that greatly increase stroke risk, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and high cholesterol, are now appearing in patients who are middle-aged or younger—primarily because so many Americans are eating more junk food, gaining too much weight and not getting enough exercise. Family history is also a risk factor for stroke.”

Stroke has become the fourth-leading cause of death in the US. Those who survive a stroke often face a lifetime of disability, including paralysis and speech and emotional difficulties.

Getting treated for a stroke right away, within four hours, is a major factor in recovery. But only about 20% to 30% of young patients with stroke symptoms go to the emergency room because they are likely to shrug off the symptoms (especially if they were relatively minor and/or short-lived) and do not realize that they have had a stroke until some other problem surfaces later on.

According to research from the National Stroke Association, approximately 80% of strokes can be avoided through prevention. Quitting smoking is crucial—people who smoke are twice as likely to have an ischemic stroke as nonsmokers.

Preventing a stroke is mostly about taking care of your heart and your blood. This means keeping your good cholesterol high, and your bad cholesterol low with diet, exercise, and avoiding some specific bad habits.

saladplateDiet

A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fresh fruits, and lots of vegetables can help reduce your risk. Avoiding foods that are processed, high in cholesterol, high in saturated fat, and loaded with sodium can also help you avoid a stroke, among other health problems.

Exercise

Thirty minutes of exercise a day can do wonders for your body. Raising your heart rate while exercising helps the body clear toxins and can help strengthen your heart, blood vessels, and brain.

Watch Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a major factor in your risk of having a stroke. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and keep your blood pressure at the appropriate levels. Reduce your consumption of sodium and put regular exercise into your life. Eating a diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, and potassium has been shown to significantly decrease blood pressure.

Have Your Cholesterol Checked

Beginning at age 20, get your cholesterol tested at least every five years. If your LDL is high (less than 100 mg/dL is optimal), you’ll want to get the number down by eating less saturated fat…getting more vegetables and other high-fiber foods.

Mind Your Alcohol Consumption

People who drink heavily (three or more alcoholic beverages daily for men and two or more for women) are more likely to have a stroke earlier in life than moderate drinkers or nondrinkers.

Know The Warning Signs. Act FAST

Get to an emergency room if you have these and/or the classic symptoms below—FAST (Face, Arm, Speech and Time) is a helpful guide.

Face: The most common stroke symptom is weakness on one side of the body, including on one side of the face. You may have difficulty smiling normally.

Arm: One-sided weakness often affects one of the arms. Hold both arms out to your sides. You could be having a stroke if one of your arms drops down.

Speech: Your words could sound slurred, or you might be unable to say a simple sentence correctly.

Time: In the past, the “window” to receive clot-dissolving medication was considered to be three hours. New research indicates that stroke patients can benefit if they get treated within 4.5 hours after having the first symptom.

For more information about cholesterol levels, diet and exercise visit: www.HeartEasy.com

– Kac Young , a former television director and producer, has earned a Ph.D. in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. Traditional recipes are turned into heart healthy meals that anyone can make. The health results are outstanding.

While earning her Ph.D. in Natural Health and a Doctorate in Naturopathy, she completed 36 courses in nutrition from Baylor University.

She also earned a doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Her practice includes, weight control, smoking cessation, behavior modification, stress reduction, past-life regression, meditation training and phobia management. Her books include: “Heart Easy, The Food Lover’s Guide to Heart Healthy Eating,” “Discover Your Spiritual Genius,” “Feng Shui the Easy Way,” “Dancing with the Moon,” “21 Days to the Love of Your Life,” “Gold Mind,” “Cheese Dome Power,” The Path to Fabulous,” “The Quick Guide to Bach Flower Remedies” and “Supreme Healing.”