by KYW’s Michelle Durham
It's a medical condition commonly associated with the elderly, but younger people can suffer the devastating effects of a stroke too. On Sunday, hundreds of people will participate in the 5K ‘Strides for Stroke’ walk in Center City.
Thomas Jefferson University neurologist and stroke specialist Dr. Rodney Bell says age is still a factor, but age doesn’t necessarily mean an older age:
"The average age is still 65 or older; however, 15-20 percent are 45 or younger"
Bell runs a stroke service in the intensive care unit treating the neurological impact. He describes how strokes occur:
"In the older person, it's generally hardening of the arteries either in the major blood vessels or the arteries going to the brain or the brain itself. In younger people, it's usually a tear in an artery or some reason why their blood clots inappropriately."
People in the high risk category are those with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, Diabetes, obesity and those who smoke.
Dr. Bell says maintaining a healthy diet and weight will reduce your risk.
For more information on the symptoms of stroke visit the Stroke Association’s web site, www.strokeassociation.org.
To learn more about Sunday’s ‘Strides for Stroke’ 5K walk go to www.phillystroke.org.
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