Illinois Senator Mark Kirk, age 52, suffered a stroke over the weekend. Doctors yesterday removed a portion of his skull to relieve post-stroke pressure. He could leave some paralysis of the face, and may affect his ability to move his left arm and possibly his left leg. Sad news.
Senator Kirk’s prominence in Illinois will heighten awareness in his state to the risk of stroke and hopefully get some Illinoisans to make lifestyle changes for prevention. By the looks of the statistics, many should pay heed.
The CDC has a webpage for Illinois for heart disease and stroke. “According to 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey results, adults in Illinois reported the following risk factors for heart disease and stroke:
- 28.0% had high blood pressure
- 36.3% of those screened reported having high blood cholesterol
- 8.8% had diabetes
- 20.1% were current smokers
- 63.0% were overweight or obese (Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 25.0)
- 51.3% reported no exercise in the prior 30 days
- 75.4% ate fruit and vegetables less than 5 times a day”
