by Esther Bush
This month, the “Take Charge of Your Health Today” page focuses on stroke research. Bee Schindler, community engagement coordinator with the University of Pittsburgh’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and Esther L. Bush, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, spoke about this topic.
BS: Good morning, Ms. Bush. I thank you for the chance to talk with you today about strokes, particularly as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that strokes kill about 140,000 individuals each year—which shakes out to 1 out of every 20 deaths. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds, while every four minutes someone dies of stroke.
EB: Yes, Bee. As you pointed out, this is a far-reaching topic that most people can relate to. The risk for individuals in the Black community having a first stroke is nearly twice as high as the risk for White individuals. I hope we can learn more about how to best prevent strokes to change that statistic!
BS: Absolutely. This is a critical point, especially because African Americans are also more likely to die of stroke-related causes. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that maintaining blood sugar levels at 180 or below aids in stroke prevention. The researchers suggest not smoking, engaging in routine exercise and eating healthy as ways to combat higher blood sugar levels.
EB: That’s important to mention because African Americans are often forced to advocate for their health needs. Taking charge of one’s health also means monitoring our own blood sugar levels to be on top of changes. The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Health Education Office offers services around blood pressure, diabetes, nutrition and more that directly relate to taking the next steps to staying healthy.
BS: That’s so great. In addition to seeking ways to measure and educate, I also encourage our readers to check out some of the research opportunities listed on this page for stroke victims. Engaging in studies is a powerful way to lend feedback on how future research could greatly influence our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
EB: Thank you so much for having this conversation with me, Bee. We’ve provided some great information and ways that readers can take charge of their health today. I look forward to next month as we discuss the Pittsburgh Study.
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