Strokes are devastating. The devastation is more pronounced when victims are young people since they are enthusiastic at this stage. To move on after a stroke, it is important to focus on continuing to pursue individual goals as opposed to dwelling on the misfortune of falling victim to a stroke. As the case of Tate illustrates, through assistance, stroke victims can pursue their dreams despite the setbacks experienced. Strokes remain disturbing as far as understanding how they occur is concerned. As the case of Tate illustrates, many causes of strokes remain unidentifiable. Although the causes are not easily identifiable, physicians always attempt to understand them.
As the article points out, the causes of strokes in the young population may be similar to those that cause the strokes in adults. However, there are slight differences. In the old generation, risk factors include hypertension, cardiac and atherosclerosis diseases. Although atherosclerosis and other related conditions contribute towards the occurrence of strokes, there is no evidence to link diabetes and obesity to the occurrence of the condition. Instead, strokes in the young people are associated with pre-existing conditions or deficiencies that remained undetected. In most cases, the delay may be until the times that the strokes take place. Disorders and congenital defects such as thrombophilic and inter-atrial septum defects partly contribute to the occurrence of strokes (Glomstad 1).
The danger of drugs poses an exclusive risk to the young population. Based on the article, either drug abuse resulting from illegal or prescription use is much less in the adult population (Glomstad 1). Using drugs such as cocaine presents a risk as it lowers the cerebrovascular blood flow roughly by thirty percent. Marijuana is another drug that contributes to reducing blood pressure. Heavy alcohol and cigarette consumption are associated with a high incidence of strokes. Fluctuations in blood pressure may lead to weakening of blood vessels. Overall, the use of illicit drugs plays a big role in interfering with blood pressure and predisposes an individual to the risk of a stroke.
Hormonal changes may increase the risk of women suffering from strokes. Women who use oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of being affected by strokes. Research has also shown that postmenopausal women who are on estrogen replacement therapy are at increased risk (Glomstad 1).
Although the article does not show evidence that the incidence of strokes is increasing among the young generation, it is valuable to focus on preventive measures. Researchers point to lifestyle trends as a major concern. In this regard, diabetes and obesity among young people are cited as worrying trends. As such, poor diet, excessive smoking, and drinking present a big health challenge. Thus, it is valuable to alter the diets and attitudes of young people to respond to this situation. Raising awareness concerning the problem is equally important.
The article is a valuable read on contemporary health issues. It illustrates how strokes occur, points out the risk factors and rounds off by observing how to control strokes. It becomes evident that there are differences regarding the risk factors in adults and the young generation. It is also revealed that altering lifestyle issues such as diet is useful in controlling the occurrence of strokes. In my view, the article is an important addition to the literature on the emergence of strokes although it fails to give statistics regarding the condition to back up the information presented.
Works Cited
Glomstad, Jill. Stroke in the Young. 14 (22): 1. 2900 Horizon Drive, King of Prussia, PA: Merion Matters, 2003. Web.