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2009 Celebrity Deaths
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HealthWatch: Recognizing Stroke Risk Factors
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CBS
Do you know the leading cause of major
disability in this country?
Many people would say heart disease or cancer, but,
in fact, the correct answer is stroke.
CBS 2 News has learned what you need to
know about stroke through the words of a very special stroke survivor.
As
weatherman for the CBS Early Show and then as an anchor for Orlando's CBS
affiliate, Mark McEwen was at the pinnacle of his career and enjoying life. One
fateful day in November, 2005, Mark didn't feel quite right – and his life
would change forever.
"I had a massive stroke and…almost died," McEwen said.
"It was six months later that I found out that I was in a coma for like 4
days."
Most people don't survive strokes of similar size and location to
Mark's. It left Mark partially paralyzed on his right side and, even worse for
a man who made his living speaking, he could barely talk.
While Mark continues
his rehabilitation, he's also working to keep others from suffering the same
fate. He now knows that you can lower your risk of having a stroke by reducing
your risk factors.
"Probably the number one risk factor is high blood pressure,
or we call it hypertension," Dr. Carolyn Brockington, of St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, said. "But otherwise factors
include diabetes, having elevated cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and having a
family history as well."
Certain populations also have a much higher incidence
of stroke, and need to be especially mindful.
African Americans and Hispanics
have almost twice the rate of strokes as the Caucasian populations.
"I want
people to know that what I have doesn't discriminate between men and women,
black and white, rich and poor," McEwen said.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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