The tragic deaths of Kirby Puckett and Dana Reeve remind us of what we know and frankly, what we don't in medical science. I've attached an email from the National Business Group on Health commenting on Kirby's untimely death at age 45 from stroke - an almost 100% preventable condition through our behaviors. Please read it.
Dana Reeve, the wife of Christopher Reeve, sadly died at 44 of lung cancer. Unlike Kirby's death however, hers was not linked to risk factors which we understand and can reduce with our current level of scientific knowledge. 90% of lung cancer is directly related to cigarette smoking - as in Peter Jenning's case. Dana was not a smoker!!
While we wait for better science for what we don't know, let's make sure that we try to live and model for our loved one's what we DO know can lead to a long and healthier life. Its the 7 things that healthy people know. Eat right, don't smoke or stop, physical activity for 30 minutes a day (walking trails and pedometer), know and shoot for your ideal body weight or BMI, alcohol if at all in moderation, know how to relax and relieve stress, and get your preventive care (blood pressure, selected screening exams and basic lab tests as cholesterol).
It's really NOT rocket science.
Dr Mike, Chief Health and Medical Officer at Lumenos
Here's Helen Darlings message to all employers:
Subject: Kirby Puckett's Premature Death Could Save Others
The early death of Kirby Puckett should be a reminder that even a young (45!) and once very active person can be struck down suddenly and die or be severely crippled for many years with a stroke. Family members’ lives are changed forever and children who lose a parent never fully recover from such losses early in their lives.
I urge all of you to use the sad premature loss of Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett, as a time to communicate with all of your employees, retirees and dependents about the devastating effects of strokes, and all that people can do to reduce their risks of stroke. According to the new reports, although only 5’ 8”, Kirby Puckett’s weight had risen to over 300 lbs.
First, every person should have his or her blood pressure monitored and actively treated if it is too high, remembering that today what is too high has actually been made lower so even if an individual was told that he or she had normal blood pressure earlier, it may no longer be considered within normal limits. Every individual should be checked at least every year or more often based on risk status.
Second, depending on the individual’s race, gender and family history, he or she may be at much higher risk and should be monitored and perhaps more aggressively treated than others. Death rates from high blood pressure are much higher for African Americans ( male 46.8 per 100,000) than Caucasions ( 12.8).
Third, other risk factors that must be reduced, controlled or eliminated are diabetes, cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, obesity and heart disease. At the risk of being a reverse sexist, men are particularly resistant to getting care and following the doctor’s recommendations. Maybe this high profile death will be a wake up call for them and for all who think they can live without taking care of themselves and they will only be affected when they are “old.”
Fourth, everyone should know the symptoms of stroke and call an ambulance or get to a hospital immediately. (Ideally a so-called stroke-ready hospital but that is a subject for another memo).) Be sure to tell them that you or your loved one might be having a stroke so they will spring into action. This is a time to be really demanding as a patient or family member since time to proper treatment is critical to survival, success and recovery. For the list of symptoms and how to recognize a stroke, please go to http://www.americanstroke.org. Attached also is our Issue Brief on An Employer Approach to Advancing Evidence-Based Hypertension Care that should help you improve health benefits to support evidence-based medicine and improve the health and quality of life of your workforce and their families.
Now is a great time to reach out to all, especially those at the greatest risk.
Helen