Power to End Stroke

If you have spoken to me in the past 6 months, then I'm sure I have spoken to you about the danger of stroke in African American women. I am becoming more and more passionate about this issue because of the effect that it has had on my life, and the lives of other women and families that I know. Women in my family have had mini-strokes in their 30s and having lost my father to stroke when he was just 44, I know how damaging a stroke can be. As young black women, we are in a position to change the trends. We can create active, healthy lifestyles that lower our risk for heart disease and stroke, and set a pattern to pass on to our children. Here is some statistics that illustrate how deadly stroke is:


Heart Disease and Stroke Facts about African-American Women

• African-Americans are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases than Caucasians. The prevalence of these diseases in black females is 39.6 percent, compared to 23.8 percent in white females.

• High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. The rate of high blood pressure for black or African-American females age 20 and older is 44.7percent.

• As many as 20 percent of all deaths in hypertensive African-American women may be due to their high blood pressure.

• The risk of heart disease and stroke increases with physical inactivity. Physical inactivity is more prevalent in women, African-Americans and Hispanics. For African-American females age 18 and older, 55.2 percent are inactive, compared to 36.2 percent of white females.

• Among black or African-American females ages 20 and older, 77.3 percent are overweight or obese.

Source: American Heart Association Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2004 Update

What can we do:

Lower Blood Pressure – Knowing your blood pressure level is key and should be checked annually. If your test results show high blood pressure, work with your doctor through diet, exercise and perhaps medication to reduce it.

Stop Smoking – Smoking has been linked to many health concerns, and stroke is no different. Smoking actually has been known to double your risk of stroke.

Limit Alcohol Intake – If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than two drinks per day. More than two drinks per day is known to increase your risk of stroke by as much as three times. (I know... I know...)

Control Cholesterol – Have your cholesterol tested if you haven’t recently done so. If it is high, follow your physician’s instructions for controlling it, which may be through diet, exercise or medication. A high fiber diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can lower your cholesterol by 6 to 9 percent.

Diabetes – Be tested for diabetes. Having diabetes increases your chances for having a stroke.

Exercise More – It might feel difficult to get started, but for as little as 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your chances of having a stroke. A brisk walk, swimming, bicycling, dancing or aerobics all can improve your health.

Consume Less Salt and Fat – Decreasing the amount of salt and fat in your diet lowers your blood pressure, thereby, reducing your chances of a stroke.

Recently, one of my mom's friend's had her second stroke at age 59. I dont know about you but at 59, I am planning to be traveling the world with my husband, estatic that the kids are out of the nest and we can finally get our groove back. And I know taht you all feel the same way.. so don't hold off on making small changes.. Work out for a half and hour... that just means a little less Maury or Charm School.. you will lower your risk and your dress size LOL We have to live healthy because we want to live a long time!!!

I'm just saying this.. cause I love you!