Living in the 'Stroke Belt'

Georgia is one of a group of states that together make up the “Stroke Belt.” North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee are also included in this group. For some reason, researchers can’t say why, but if you are born in the “Stroke Belt," you have an increased chance of suffering a stroke at some point in your life.

Since we have just closed out on May, which is observed as National Stroke Awareness Month, I wanted to point out some risk factors for stroke that you may or may not be aware of. Some of them you can change and some you just have to live with.

You Can’t Change These

1. Where you are born: If it’s in the "Stroke Belt," you gotta live with it.
2. Race: African-Americans are at a higher risk for stroke than Caucasians or Hispanics.
3. Gender: More men have strokes than women, but women tend to die from stroke more often.
4. Age: After age 55, your chances of suffering a stroke double with each passing decade. Two-thirds of all strokes occur in people over 65.
5. Diseases and Conditions: If you suffer from High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, heart disease or Diabetes, you are at increased risk for stroke.

But You Can Change These

1. Your Weight: Excess fat can lead to several serious conditions, not just stroke. As a result of having an expanded mid-section (greater than 40 inches) you are subject to developing Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease, in addition to suffering a stroke. Excess weight causes your body to work harder to pump blood through your system to keep your blood sugar levels in check and keep your arteries healthy.
2. Smoking: If you are a smoker, take steps to quit. NOW! Smoking damages the arteries throughout your body. Weakened arteries can lead to a ruptured blood vessel, which will most likely lead to stroke.
3. Heavy Drinking: Drinking more than 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day can wreak havoc on your body’s circulatory system, making you a prime target for stroke.
4. Stress: We all have stress in our lives, on all levels, but it’s how you handle those daily stressors that determine your outcome. Constant, chronic stress can be deadly. Take time for yourself each and every day to take a couple deep breaths, smell the roses and enjoy your life. You can’t get back time, when it’s gone, it’s gone.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Although there are some risk factors that you can’t change, there are plenty others that you have all the control over. Don’t allow stroke to creep up on you. You have the power to change your risk factors and hopefully avoid suffering a stroke.

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Carol’s husband, Alvin suffered a stroke on Jan. 17, 2011. Luckily, he was able to get emergency care quickly and is on his way to making a full recovery. Both Alvin and Carol dedicate a large amount of their time to educating others about stroke and how to avoid suffering such a tragic event in their lives.