More Fast Food Joints in Neighborhoods Mean More Strokes

I used to get excited and felt a deep satisfaction when I would see a franchise fast food establishment close permanently. To me it meant that people were becoming more conscious about what they were eating. The closing of a fast food establishment was my proof that there is a slow progression towards healthier alternatives to fast foods.


I had not thought about the ramifications on neighborhoods that have fast food establishments on just about every corner. When I stop to think about it, it is good, (although sick) marketing to have easy access to unhealthy foods within walking distance while squeezing out the convenience of a grocery store. Here is a recent eye-opening study about the correlation of fast food establishments, and health.

A new study that comes from the University Of Michigan reveals a direct association between fast food restaurants and stroke. The study was conducted in Nueces County Texas. It showed that individuals residing in areas where fast food restaurants are abundant appear to have an increased chance of suffering from a stroke than those that live in an area where those eateries are not as wide spread. Previously, fast food consumption has been linked to higher incidences of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and liver damage. The research also showed a one percent increased risk of stroke for each individual fast food eatery in the area. The results of the data were posted on a white board and shown during the International Stroke conference 2009 which took place on Thursday.

Dr. Morgenstern has commented on the results of the study. “What we don’t know is whether fast food actually increased the risk because of its contents or whether fast-food restaurants are a marker of unhealthy neighborhoods.” Morgenstern also wants to find out whether there is something completely unique in these counties that is has caused the poor health. He says that areas with lots of fast food joints should be targeted for programs on stroke prevention.

Researchers guided by Dr. Lewis Morgenstein, Director of the stroke program at the University Of MMichigan, have been tracking the incidence of strokes occurring in Nueces County, Texas. For the current data, they looked at 1,247 ischemic strokes reported in the communities from January 2000 until June 2003. They also identified 262 restaurants identified as fast food eateries in the county.The neighborhoods with the least amount of fast food establishments also had the least incidence of stroke, even after socioeconomic factors and demographics were looked at more closely.

The researchers have concluded that the study has revealed “a significant association between fast food restaurants and stroke risk” but they are quick to add that more studies need to be conducted to fully understand the link. Further studies will be done to examine the link between fast food and stroke.

Fast food is often associated with excessive calories, high fat including trans fats, high sodium and lacks nutrition. While these establishments still offer many of these types of choices many of these places are offering healthier options since studies have started to reveal the health risks of fast food.

Source and for more information or to comment on  go to eFitness Now

Although there seems to be a link between stroke and fast foods, this article does not elaborate on type of stroke. See below for more information on the physiology of stroke.

What Is A Stroke

A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain. Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain (ischemic stroke). Other strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Because stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, stroke is also called a brain attack. When the symptoms of a stroke last only a short time (less than an hour), this is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. Stroke has many consequences. Click here to learn how stroke affects people.


The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured. Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain control different areas and functions, it is usually the area immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Sometimes people with stroke have a headache, but stroke can also be completely painless. It is very important to recognize the warning signs of stroke and to get immediate medical attention if they occur.
There are three types of stroke Ischemic, Intrracerebral hemmorrhage and Subarachnoid hemorrhage.
For more information and explaination of the types of stroke please click on the following link:
Types of strokes 

Warning Signs of Stroke


The most common sign of stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body.

Other warning signs can include:
Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

The signs of a stroke depend on the side of the brain that's affected, the part of the brain, and how severely the brain is injured. Therefore, each person may have different stroke warning signs. Stroke may be associated with a headache, or may be completely painless.

If you or someone you know is having these signs, call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency. Treatment is available, but only if a stroke is recognized in time. DO NOT try to diagnose the problem by yourself, and DO NOT wait to see if the symptoms go away on their own.

Even if the symptoms pass quickly, they could be an important warning that requires prompt medical attention.

For more information please go to The Internet Stroke Center

Sources: Medline Plus Illustration of Stroke-Adam
 
Karen Langston 1-877-215-6824 karen@iamworthit2.com  http://www.iamworthit2.com/