Daily News column for July 6 edition
SURELY, LIKE myself, Luther Vandross fans everywhere are mourning his passing Friday. The legendary R&B vocalist and Grammy winner was 54 years young.
While the hospital did not disclose the cause of death, it is believed that he never fully recovered from a stroke he suffered a little more than two years ago.
As I reflect and celebrate his life, I also want to take this opportunity to increase awareness about strokes, America's third leading cause of death.
According to the American Stroke Association, nearly 700,000 people experience a first or recurrent stroke every year. Nationwide, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, and someone dies of a stroke every three minutes.
Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. For reasons not fully understood, African-Americans, Hispanic Americans and Africans are more frequently victims of this deadly disease and are more likely to die from stroke than white people are.
What is a stroke?
Essentially, stroke occurs when a clogged artery blocks blood flow to the brain or a burst artery interrupts blood flow to an area of the brain. In short, think of a stroke as a brain heart attack. As with a heart attack, when cells are deprived of blood, oxygen or nutrients, they die. Often, strokes result in irreversible brain damage that causes paralysis and/or loss of speech.
There are two main types of stroke:
Additionally, some people experience mini-strokes (transient ischemic attack) or recurrent strokes (common among stroke victims).
Stroke symptoms include:
Risk factors
You may be more susceptible to stroke if you are in one of the high-risk groups, such as African-American, Hispanic American or African.
Do you have high blood pressure? This reversible condition can be "managed" with prescription drugs - or you could eradicate it through permanent lifestyle changes. The best way to repair high blood pressure is a combination of healthy eating and a comprehensive exercise program.
Diabetes is another risk factor, for stroke as well as heart disease.
Have you had your cholesterol checked lately? Do so, and if the numbers are high (200 and above) get them down with - you guessed right again! - smart eating and exercise. Oh, yeah, this is reversible, too.
Are you still smoking? (This one's personal. Mom, please stop! The best thing you can do for your health and your pocketbook today is to QUIT!)
Diagnosing a stroke
If you suspect that you or someone you love is in danger of this disease, then early detection and diagnosis is vital.
Extraordinary advances in medical technology have given doctors the tools to examine both the brain and brain blood supply. Some diagnostic procedures now available include:
The good news is, most of these tests are relatively safe and painless and can be performed as outpatient procedures.
Treating stroke patients
Drugs, surgery, acute care and rehabilitation are the conventional ways to treat stroke. Quite naturally, my recommendation is to treat stroke with prevention and permanent lifestyle changes - proper nutrition, exercise and stress reduction.
Ultimately, it's up to you.
Besides suffering a stroke, Vandross suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure, and he wrestled with weight problems for years. Let his passing be a catalyst for change and a renewed commitment to live your best and healthiest life ever.