SARASOTA (WSNN) – It’s Stroke Awareness Month, and experts are sounding the alarm as African American women are more likely to have a stroke than white women.
“Unfortunately, in our country, women suffer more strokes than men,” Multicultural Health Institute’s Executive Director Dr. Merritt said.
More specifically, African American women. In fact, Strokes are the 3rd leading cause of death among non-Hispanic women of color.
“Women are less likely to participate in clinical trials that may help them treat strokes more effectively,” Dr. Merritt said.
Through her practice, Dr. Merritt has experienced that health coverage isn’t as accessible to those who are more vulnerable and in need.
“Which unfortunately are the people of color who have higher rates of stroke, higher rates of blood pressure, higher rates of diabetes,” Dr. Merritt said.
All of those are risk factors related to strokes, but Dr. Merritt says 80 percent of strokes are preventable.
“If we can keep blood pressure under control, keep diabetes under good control, and the way approach those things by taking the right medications, exercising regularly, managing stress effectively and our dietary habits, we can help see people live longer healthier lives.”
And it’s not just about healthy eating, knowing your family history along with monitoring your sugar levels and blood pressure are important too.
“Even if they eat the best diet, if they’re having certain family genetic tendencies, they may need medication to help manage that,” Dr. Merritt said.
If cost is an issue, there are resources that can help, but maintaining your health is really the cheapest and most effective way.
“Like the Newtown Practice,” Dr. Merritt said. “And there is a Sarasota Community Clinic. It’s very important to take care of yourself and invest in your health because that really is the ultimate wealth,” Dr. Merritt said. “If you’re not doing well, you can’t work, you can’t generate money, your family will miss you if you’re gone.”
You never know when a stroke may strike, but you can help prevent it from happening. You can find more information here.
