The New York Times reported this week that although the number of Ischemic strokes (a blockage of the artery to the brain, caused by a narrowing in the artery or a clot) are falling in older people, and that “stroke hospitalizations rose sharply among men and women ages 15 to 44, including a 51-percent jump among 15- to 34-year-old men”.  According to the article, “There were also notable increases among children, though the number of strokes in children remains very small over all. The study found increases of more than 30 percent in boys and girls ages 5 to 14. Hospitalization for strokes declined, however, in girls younger than 5.”

This story cites a study from American Stroke Association in Dallas.  According to Xin Tong, M.P.H., a health statistician with the CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, “We cannot link anything in particular to the trend in younger patients, but I believe the role of obesity and hypertension will prompt a big discussion. Unfortunately, right now we can’t speculate on the causes.”

It’s alarming to think of growing numbers of children and young adults potentially having strokes because of obesity issues.  But, with the rate of obesity so high in the United States, it’s a grim possibility.  It’s never been more important to present health risk management tools, such as food service integration, physical activity, group programs, and wellness programs to our employees and their families.