AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says an increase in strokes is happening at an alarming rate to an unexpected demographic.
Americans 15 through 34 had the sharpest increase in strokes, while it dropped in the older age groups.
"It's very important for young people to understand that strokes are not just an old persons problem anymore. Certainly young people can be at risk for stroke and the best prevention is overall good health, lots of activity and exercise," said Dr. Heidi Taylor, WTAMU Nursing Associate Professor.
She says it's a sign that the obesity epidemic may be starting to reshape the age its usually associated with.
"Eating higher fat, higher salt food, as well as decreasing levels of exercise and activity among our youngsters is what I think we're looking at as a contributing factor to this very sad state," said Dr. Taylor.
