Nate Dogg Inspires Stroke Awareness

Divabetic

May’s upcoming Diabetes Late Nite podcast looks at the effects of diabetes and diabetes health-related complications on the hip hop community with musical inspiration from the Empire TV show soundtrack.

Ten years ago, Luther Vandross, who was living with type 2 diabetes, died from health complications after suffering a stroke in 2003. He was 54.

Nate Dogg, one of the most legendary collaborators and hook singers to come on the hip-hop scene, died from complications of stroke at the age of 41.  Sadly, at the time of his death in 2011, he had actually suffered several strokes-the first occurred when he was in his 30s.

What most people don’t realize is that African Americans much more likely to have a stroke, die from a stroke, or become disabled from a stroke, they are also have strokes at much younger ages than any other group.

Also thought of as a “brain attack,” stroke happens when the blood supply to an area of the brain is disrupted.  Often caused by risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity, stroke can also be linked to heart disease, family history, and heart rhythm problems.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month – make sure you are doing all you can to decrease your risk of this dangerous disease.

Here are some tips that in the words of Nate Dogg can help you “Regulate” your risk for stroke:

Regulate your weight.  Obesity is a huge risk factor for stroke and other chronic diseases that also lead to stroke.  Research shows that 8 out of 10 Black women, 7 out of 10 Black men, and 5 out of 10 Black children are overweight or obese.

Regulate your blood pressure.  Almost 1 out of every 2 African American adults has high blood pressure.  In addition to increased risk of stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness.

Regulate your blood sugar.  Diabetes is a leading cause for stroke.  One in 3 people living with diabetes have no idea they have it.  A simple test can help to eliminate any uncertainty about your health.

Regulate your lifestyle choices.  Avoid smoking and alcohol

People who lead healthy, active lifestyles drastically decrease their risk for stroke.

LISTEN NOW: Diabetes Late Nite inspired by Billie Holiday

Tags: luther vandross, Nate Dogg, stroke