This article reflects on the tragic loss of a friend to a stroke and highlights the importance of preventive care in the Black community. It discusses lifestyle factors that contribute to health risks and emphasizes the need for awareness and education.
I found out very late that a close friend of mine was struggling with his health, losing weight and getting very ill. However, it wasn’t until after he died of massive stroke just recently, that I realize this was bound to become a reality.
He was overweight, a heavy drinker and smoker, and lived life by his own rules. However, stroke can happen to anyone at any time, but the black community is always the one dispared of preventive care.
More:
Black Americans experience a higher incidence of stroke and a greater mortality rate from strokes than any other racial group. A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,” typically occurs when blood flow to the brain, which delivers vital oxygen, is interrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. Furthermore, Black stroke survivors are considerably less likely to receive treatment for various complications such as fatigue, spasticity, and depression compared to their white counterparts.
The reasons for the increased risk of stroke among Black individuals are not fully understood. However, it is evident that a higher prevalence of risk factors, coupled with societal challenges, contributes to the occurrence of new stroke cases among Black Americans.
The experience of racism leads to persistent discrimination, stress, and depression, which negatively affect Black Americans. Prolonged stress can cause lasting and cumulative harm to both the body and brain, contributing to declining health in early adulthood within Black communities.
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for prompt treatment. The acronym FAST is commonly used to help identify the symptoms:
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile, and see if their smile is uneven.
- A – Arm Weakness: One arm may be weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech Difficulty: The person may have slurred speech or difficulty speaking. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence and see if they can do it correctly.
- T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in treating a stroke.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek emergency medical help right away.
Stroke risk factors prevalent among Black Americans include:
- High Blood Pressure: More than 50% of Black adults experience high blood pressure, which tends to develop earlier in this population and is often more challenging to control.
- Overweight and Obesity: Nearly 70% of Black men and over 80% of Black women are classified as overweight or obese.
- Diabetes: African Americans have a higher likelihood of developing diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white individuals.
- Sickle Cell Anemia: This frequently occurring genetic disorder among African Americans poses an increased risk for stroke.
- High Cholesterol: Approximately 25% of Black individuals have elevated levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Smoking: Over 14% of Black adults smoke, which can increase their stroke risk by two to four times.
- Lack of Regular Exercise: Less than half of Black adults typically achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, raising their risk for stroke.
- Stress: Daily stressors faced by many African American adults may contribute to a heightened risk of stroke.
- In conclusion, I hope this story reaches those who have a family member or friend at risk, potentially saving a life before it’s too late. ARGUS Staff.
From experts:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113
- stroke prevention, health awareness, lifestyle factors, Black community health, preventive care, smoking, alcohol consumption, health education, weight management
- #StrokeAwareness #HealthDisparities #PreventiveCare #BlackCommunityHealth #LifestyleChoices #Grief #MentalHealth #HealthEducation #WellnessJourney
