Stroke Rising in Young Populations: Here’s What You Need to Know

(StatePoint) Often times stroke is associated with older populations, but many people are unaware that it can occur at any age. In fact, one out of five people who have a stroke are under age 55.

Astroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood vessels in the brain are blocked or burst. Strokes can cause long-term disability, impair a person’s ability to speak, see or move, and can even result in death. While you can lose everything to stroke, taking quick action at the first sign can help with recovery and have a lasting impact. Unfortunately, almost 30% of adults younger than 45 don’t know the five most common symptoms of a stroke, according to research published in The American Heart Association’s “Stroke.” At the same time, stroke is on the rise in that age group.

“Young people who are not familiar with the most common signs of stroke are at risk of inaction at a time when every second matters,” says Sheryl MartinSchild, MD, PhD, stroke medical director at Touro Infirmary. “Both stroke survival and recovery are possible with the right care at the right time.”

Immediate medical attention is dependent on everyone learning and being able to recognize the sudden onset of the BE FAST signs and symptoms of a stroke in themselves and others and calling 911 immediately. BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time and refers to these signs of stroke:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance

• Eyes: Loss of vision in one or both eyes

• Face: Face looks uneven or droopy

• Arm: Arm or leg is weak or hanging down

• Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or seems confused

• Time: Immediately call 911 No matter a person’s age, understanding stroke risk factors is also vital, as some factors can be managed with lifestyle changes. These risk factors include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, poor circulation, lack of physical activity and obesity. It’s important for everyone to talk to their health care provider about safely managing these factors through diet, exercise and smoking cessation, particularly for those at higher risk due to age (risk increases as you get older), race (AfricanAmericans, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders have a higher risk of stroke than people of other races), sex (more women have strokes than men) and family history (risk is greater if a family member has had a stroke).

“According to the CDC, stroke is a leading cause of serious longterm disability. Therefore, it’s critical to learn the signs and take action right away,” says Dr. Martin-Schild. “It is far better to react than to regret.”

For more information and resources, visit strokeawareness.com, developed by Genentech Inc., a member of the Roche Group.

“BE FAST” was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FASTmodel implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved.

Crunchy Deviled Eggs

4 hard-boiled eggs

2 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon dried onion flakes

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and remove yolks. Place yolks in a medium bowl and mash well using a fork. Add mayonnaise,Worcestershire sauce,celery seed,onion flakes and parsley flakes. Mix well to combine.

2. Refill egg white halves by spooning a full tablespoon of yolk mixture into each. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

• Each serving equals:73 calories, 5g fat,5g protein,2g carb.,142mg sodium,0g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges:1 Meat ©2010KiFtSdI

Pork Tenderloin with Peach Glaze

Pork tenderloin is as lean as skinless chicken breast,with only 3 grams of fat and 120 calories per 3ounce serving. Grill with fresh peaches to add health-boosting fiber, carbs and vitamins A and C.

1 lime

1/2 cup peach preserves

1 (1 1/4 pounds) pork tenderloin

2 bunches green onions

1 teaspoon olive oil

4 medium peaches,each cut in half and pitted

1. Prepare outdoor grill for cooking over medium heat. From lime,grate 1 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice.

2. Make Peach Glaze:In medium bowl,stir preserves,lime peel and juice,1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper until blended. Spoon 1/4 cup glaze into small bowl.

3. Cut pork tenderloin crosswise in half,then cut each piece lengthwise in half. Place pork on hot grill rack; cover and cook 5 minutes. Turn pork over; brush with glaze from medium bowl. Cover and cook 5 to 6 minutes longer or until pork is browned on the outside and still slightly pink on the inside,brushing several times with glaze remaining in medium bowl. Transfer pork to cutting board.

4. Meanwhile,toss green onions with oil,1/4 teaspoon salt,and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Place green onions and peaches,cut- sides down,on same grill rack; cook 3 minutes,turning green onions over once. Transfer onions to platter. Turn peaches over and brush with glaze from small bowl; cook 3 minutes longer or until browned and tender. Transfer to platter with green onions.

5. Slice pork and serve with peaches and green onions. Serves 4.

• Each serving:About 330 calories, 5g total fat (2g saturated),78mg cholesterol,515mg sodium,43g total carbohydrate,4g dietary fiber,32g protein.

For thousands of triple-tested recipes,visit our Web site at www.goodhousekeeping.com/recipe finder/.

1. LANGUAGE:What kind of activity likely would take place in a natatorium?

2. GEOGRAPHY:What is the highest point in the United States east of the Mississippi River?

3. TIME:When will the next leap year occur?

4. SCIENCE:What is the symbol for the element copper?

5. ANIMAL KINGDOM:What is a group of bacteria called?

6. MUSIC:What pop artist had a No. 1 hit with “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”?

7. TELEVISION:What was the name of Jack’s restaurant in “Three’s Company”?

8. AD SLOGAN:What company’s product was featured in ads with the slogan “the ultimate driving machine”?

9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What was the old-time occupation of a wainwright?

10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS:Who once said,“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed”?

Answers

1. Swimming. A natatorium is an indoor swimming pool.

2. Mount Mitchell in North Carolina

3. 2012

4. Cu (Latin:cuprum)

5. A culture

6. Rupert Holmes

7. Jack’s Bistro

8. BMW

9. One who makes or repairs wagons

10. Michael Jordan

1. Who holds the major-league record for most stolen bases in a season without being caught once?

2. In 2009,Mark Buehrle became the second White Sox pitcher to have two no-hitters in his career. Who was the first?

3. True or false:Vince Lombardi never had a losing season in 10 years as an NFL head coach.

4. Name the last Pac-10 team to win the men’s college basketball national championship.

5. How many years after Terry Sawchuk set the NHL goaltender record for career shutouts (103) was it that Martin Brodeur broke it?

6. Name the last driver (not counting current driver Brad Keselowski in 2009) to get his only career Cup win at Talladega Superspeedway.

7. Who holds the Wimbledon record for most aces in a men’s tennis singles match?

Answers

1. Kevin McReynolds stole 21 bases without being caught for the New York Mets in 1988.

2. Frank Smith tossed no-hitters in 1905 and 1908 for the White Sox.

3. True.

4. The University of Arizona,in 1997.

5. Thirty-nine years (Sawchuk’s last season was 1969-70; Brodeur broke the record in 2009).

6. Bobby Hillin Jr.,in 1986.

7. Ivo Karlovic had 51 aces in a match in 2005.