The English language is pretty loose when using the word ‘stroke’….
“I almost had a stroke when I read that…”
“Anybody have a stroke reading this…”
“Don’t mind me having a minor stroke when I read this…”
“Sorry I literally had a stroke reading this…”
There are a lot of stroke jokes, too, that I won’t tell here. Many stroke victims say the jokes help, making the tragedy more tolerable…helping them lighten the load….making those around them feel more comfortable. Because, in truth, everyone knows there is nothing light or funny about a stroke.
SNOOP DOG’S DAUGHTER
Snoop Dog’s beautiful 24 year old daughter Cori suffered a stroke recently. The day before the event she had all the symptoms: blurry vision, nausea, fatigue and “really bad headache pain” on the right side of her head. She revealed before she went to bed that her blood pressure was extremely high. Early morning presented all the symptoms of a severe stroke.
Early morning between 6-6:30 am is known as the “Golden Hour” for a stroke, more than any other time of day. This is when circadian rhythms seem to play a part in blood pressure, body temperature and other bodily functions. During the early morning, blood pressure is higher and the risk for stroke can increase.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND STROKE
We think of strokes as something that happens to older people. But about 70,000 Americans under the age of 45 experience strokes annually. 1 in 7 strokes occur in people age 15-19. The number of strokes in people ages 18-45 has been growing at a faster rate nationally than any other age group for the past few years. What a terrifying trend!
The most common type of stroke is the ischemic stroke. In an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel becomes blocked, usually caused by a clot, and a portion of the brain becomes deprived of oxygen…this represents about 87% of all stokes at any age. In one second 32,000 brain cells die and in 59 seconds an ischemic stroke will have killed 1.9 million valuable brain cells. Brain cells that are responsible for your arms, legs and speech. But these may also include the lungs, heart, kidney, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.
The signs that the body is shutting down and going into stroke mode may be:
> mottled and blotchy skin, especially on the feet and hands
> difficulty breathing
> loss of bladder control
> sudden loss of balance
> sudden blurry or loss of vision
> sudden numbness of the face, one side drooping
> sudden weakness in arms
> slurred and mumbling speech
> severe headache
Without delay, call 911.
MAY: AMERICAN STROKE AWARENESS MONTH
May is American Stroke Awareness Month 2024. I started this newsletter, as I often do, reminding us what is at stake when we eat the Standard American Diet. But when I discovered that 1 out of 7 strokes occur in young people 15-19…that Snoop Dogs daughter wasn’t an anomaly. It took the air out of me and broke my heart….
Because ischemic stroke is one of those situations that is avoidable, the American Stroke Association encourages “everyone to be a bold advocate for their health and keep your risk of stroke low”. They encourage us to understand the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, carrying too much weight, and stroke risk….because the body is a communicating community, one imbalance can create another…
ACTION STEPS
What can you do to set yourself up for a long, disease free life?
> Blood clots can form in the veins or arteries, the vessels that help move blood around the body. Cleansing is a great way to move collected debris like fats and proteins out of the veins and arteries. Start your healing journey to clean up and support your precious body.
> Check out the wonderful free documentary “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes In 30 days”. This youtube chronicles the success of six Americans with diabetes who switched to a diet consisting of vegan-living foods for 30 days. I love, love, love this doc. It offers so much hope and possibility.
> Sign up for our Fall 2024 Training. Learn how to eat ‘Life Force Foods’, not ‘Life Depleting Foods’. One of the great advantages of our Program is we help you create your own healing journey while you are learning to become a powerful educator. It’s a win-win. LINK
> Exercise: Exercise without making diet change will not get the job done. But diet change and exercise is a powerful combo. Keep it moving. The weather in May is inviting; it’s easier to go outdoors. Claim one action that you feel you can really keep up with: Swimming, biking, walking, gardening, dancing….Here in Albuquerque we live in the desert foothills. Our neighborhood is hilly. I had a good excuse to skip biking (or so I told myself). But of course, like everyone, I need movement. Then we got ebikes. It changed everything. Review what you really like to do and do what calls to you…..
Much Love And Support, Paula Diana
#stroke #Snoop Dog #American #Stroke Awareness Month #DietForLivingSchool #diabetes