Stroke - Who Is At Risk

A day before my 16th birthday, my father came home from work at his normal time. It was a Friday, and traditionally we ate fish. So naturally, my mom fried a big batch of fish (porgies for my dad and whiting for us) and around 6:30 p.m. We ate dinner like clockwork. You see, my dad drove a truck and like most blue collar workers, the end of the day could not come any sooner. I remember being extra excited while eating dinner because my birthday was that Saturday. Shortly after dinner, my father complained that he wasn’t feeling well. He excused himself from the table and went to his room. To everyone's surprise, my dad changed clothes and stated that he was going to the bar to drink “this off.” (self medication). I don’t recall the events after that, but the next morning something was wrong with my dad. My dad was losing his vision, he was belligerent, violent, incoherent, and his speech was slurred. My entire family was trying to coach him into going to the hospital but my father refused. My sister came to me and said, “go tell your father to go to the hospital” (I’m 16 years old and I am going to tell my dad what to do). I walked into the bedroom and told my dad in a firm voice,” dad we are taking you to the hospital.” My dad complied. Unfortunately, his condition had worsened. By the time he was admitted into the hospital my father “slipped” into a deep coma. Ten days later my dad died on Thanksgiving Day. The doctors informed us that he had a stroke and I thought what does that mean.

A stroke occurs when part of your brain doesn't get the blood that it needs. Most often, a stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or plugs up a vessel bringing blood to the brain. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. That describes a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). However, my father suffered from a Hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel actually burst and bleeds on the brain. As an adult, I now know the risk factors for stroke. These risk factors include: age, race, sex, family history, diet, exercise, hypertension and diabetes diagnosis. My father scored 100% on test for all the risk factors. My father was dual diagnosis with high blood pressure and diabetes; he had a family history of stroke; we consumed fatty fried foods; he was in his mid 50’s (which I think is young); and he lacked exercise.

African American men suffer from a higher rate of stroke than any other groups in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), African American adults are twice as likely as their non-minority adult counterparts to have a stroke in addition; African American males were 60% more likely to die from a stroke than their non-minority adult counterparts. The troubling part about these statistics are with all of the advances in medicine and medical treatment, African American men are prematurely dying at an alarming rate. So now where do we go from here? I need to talk to the Men just for one moment. Now ladies, you can listen and if the shoe fits…. Step 1: You must educate yourself and do a health self assessment. Step 2: You MUST educate your family and make all adjustments to your lifestyle immediately. Step 3: You must educate your friends because the company you keep has an impact on where you are going in life. Lastly, Step 4: Exercise, exercise, exercise. (at least 45 minutes a day).

My father’s untimely and pre-mature passing was a turning point in my life and continue to fuel the passion I have for helping others improve their health. Yes, everyone wants longevity but what is that worth without the quality of life. Please share with others because you never know who or whom you will help. As I hope, I helped you.

Peace and Blessing

Please visit: www.americanstroke.org to learn more about stroke symptoms and prevention.