My Family Story: Strokes
Jan 07
Last week I wrote a post about the fact that I no longer believe in resolutions and that I didn’t have any for 2013, except for continuing to do better in all areas of my life. Now, while I don’t have any resolutions my resolve to focus on my overall health and wellness is stronger then ever before.
Recently my aunt (my Mom’s oldest sister) had two strokes days apart. She is currently bedridden and can’t do anything for herself. Of course this is devastating for my family, but we’re thankful that she is alive and alert. However, she is now physically disabled.
A few days later my sister called me at work and brought to my attention the fact that with the exception of my mom, all of my aunts (my mom’s sisters have had strokes (three of them). This really struck a cord with me. In doing some research around whether strokes are hereditary, I learned that genetics definitely plays a big part in your risk for strokes, along with your overall lifestyle as well as other factors.
So, while my sisters and I may not definitely have a stroke, our family history puts us at a higher risk.
In addition to my current family history of strokes, I am an African-American woman, and strokes are one of the leading causes of death among African-American women. According to Everydayhealth.com, strokes are the third leading causes of death for African-American women. In the same article on Everydayhealth.com, Overall African-Americans suffer more strokes than any other group of people. “There are statistics showing that [they] have about twice the mortality of stroke than Caucasians,” explains Ralph L. Sacco, MD, neurologist-in-chief at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla., and spokesperson for the American Stroke Association.”
Needless to say between my aunt and the risk factors for African-American women, the need for me to get healthy and reach my optimal weight is key. While there are many causes that lead to strokes, lifestyle is a key factor and that’s something that I can control. I have come along way the past few years with my health and weight, but I know that there’s more work to be done and I am ready and so focused and determined to get healthy. I am also determined to help the African-American community however I can to get healthy. The numbers and statistics with all the ailments that affect African-Americans are truly devastating.
Are you aware of your family’s medical history?
I’m a born and raised New Yorker who loves all things healthy living and weight loss. I’m a wife, new mom, marketing executive and I guess now a blogger! Join me on my journey to getting healthy and happy in the city. 
Oh no
I’m sorry girl.
I do know my families medical history on both sides.
that’s great, it’s so important to stay on top of the medical histories.
Sorry to hear the news of your family. I will be sharing your story. It is good to know your family history and know the symptoms of stroke. The first minutes of the stroke are so impotent and early treatment can stop or reverse some of the potential damage. Check out http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WOMSYMP.
thank you and thanks for sharing the link to stroke.org. it is absolutely important.
I am very sorry about your aunt. It is so important to know about your medical history. I have an artificial mitral valve and I am hyperaware of the issues affecting women of color especially heart health.
yes, the heart health issues among women of color are so high..
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt, I will keep her in my prayers. My grandmother is currently bedridden, so I know what that is. Thank you for these statistics, I know I have some of my family’s hereditary issues, but i’m trying to prevent them from becoming serious. xoxo
thanks Nellie, appreciate the prayers and praying for your grandmother as well.
Praying for healing and restoration for your aunt and praying for strength for you and her caretakers. Be blessed.
thank you so much Crystal for the kind words, much appreciated.