Jakarta –
The Association of Indonesian Neurology Specialists (PERDOSNI) reports that the incidence of stroke cases at a young age is relatively increasing. This trend is also experienced globally, not only Indonesia.
The main trigger that is often not realized, according to neurologist Dr Dodik Taskworo, is an unhealthy lifestyle.
“Some of the ages I met, stroke patients aged 30 to 40 years old have increased greatly,” he highlighted in an online webinar, Friday (25/10/2024).
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“Several factors that contribute to stroke at a young age are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, including lack of exercise, a diet high in fat and sugar, physical activity working in an office, sitting for too long, try standing and walking around for 30 minutes at a time,” he said.
The increasing number of smokers in the younger generation is also a factor in increasing stroke cases. Not only that, many people are at high levels of stress, one of which is related to competition at work.
“Stress levels are also important, the competitive climate is high, which has an impact on sleep disorders and all of this is a risk of stroke,” he stressed.
Even so, some young stroke cases are also triggered by medical conditions, genetic history and comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes. Therefore, the public is encouraged to carry out screening and early detection, which can be accessed free of charge at the health center.
(naf/kna)
The Unexpected Rise of Young Stroke Cases: A Cheeky Observational Dive
Well, ladies and gentlemen, gather ‘round because we’re diving headlong into the alarming yet simultaneously eye-rolling trend of strokes occurring in our younger population. Yes, you heard correctly—young adults in their 30s and 40s are seemingly checking off ‘Stroke’ on their ever-growing to-do lists. The Association of Indonesian Neurology Specialists (PERDOSNI) reports a rather startling spike in stroke cases, much like the number of unread emails I have every day!
Dr. Dodik Taskworo, our neurologist friend, offered some keen insights during an online webinar that I almost mistook for an episode of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” He highlighted that the main trigger for these unfortunate events is none other than the horrid beast we call an unhealthy lifestyle. Forget about the “lovable rogue” that is rogue behavior; we’re looking at a full-blown fitness crisis here!
When Dr. Dodik mentions a rise in stroke cases among those barely out of their hot, youthful years, he makes it sound like a bad sequel to a romantic comedy where, spoiler alert, the guy gets a stroke instead of the girl. According to him, the real culprits are the dastardly factors we all dread: a diet oozing with fats and sugars, relentless hours glued to an office chair, and a distinct lack of physical activity. An idea: maybe we could install treadmills under our desks! Or is that too much to ask?
Of course, let’s not forget about our old mate, Mr. Stress! In today’s world, where competition at work is as fierce as my Auntie’s rivalry with her neighbor over the best garden gnomes, stress levels are through the roof. We’ve got sleepless nights piling up faster than the bills after a shopping spree! A casual chat over a strained cup of coffee often turns into a full-blown TED Talk on who’s the most overworked and underappreciated.
But fear not! Dr. Dodik reassures us that strokes in the youth aren’t just the fate of the reckless; genetics and pre-existing conditions also join the fray. Hypertension and diabetes are not just for the older folks; they’re now taking applications from the younger generations too. So if your parents had bad healthy habits, congratulations! You’re in the running.
Now, here’s the good news, folks! The public health message is crystal clear: screening and early detection are vital—and they’re free at your local health center. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, ignore the cake, and take advantage of those check-ups, huh? I mean, what’s seven minutes on a treadmill compared to a lifetime of dodging strokes? Talk about a win-win!
In summary, let’s get moving, watch our diets, reduce our stress levels, and perhaps even ditch that smoking habit. Because, ultimately, folks, no one wants to be a health statistic—especially one that’s under 40. So, shake a leg, grab a salad, and maybe breathe a little easier! Your future self will thank you, probably with less blood pressure and more energy to binge watch that new series.
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(naf/kna)
Interview with Dr. Dodik Taskworo on the Rising Incidence of Stroke in Young Adults
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Taskworo. You’ve highlighted some alarming trends regarding stroke cases among young adults. Could you elaborate on what you’re seeing in your practice?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Thank you for having me. Yes, we’ve observed a significant increase in stroke cases among individuals aged 30 to 40 years. It’s concerning not just for Indonesia but globally. Many people aren’t aware that an unhealthy lifestyle is a major contributing factor.
Interviewer: What specific lifestyle choices are contributing to this rise in stroke cases?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Several lifestyle choices play a role. A diet high in fats and sugars, sedentary behavior—especially common among those working in office settings—and a lack of physical activity are key concerns. For instance, I often recommend standing and moving around for at least 30 minutes each hour to counteract prolonged sitting.
Interviewer: Stress appears to be another factor. Can you shed some light on how stress contributes to this issue?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Absolutely. The competitive work environment today can lead to high levels of stress, which in turn can affect sleep quality and overall health. This chronic stress increases the risk of conditions like hypertension, which is a known risk factor for stroke.
Interviewer: Besides lifestyle factors, are there any medical conditions that predispose young people to strokes?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Yes, certainly. Individuals with a genetic history of stroke, along with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, are at higher risk. That’s why I urge everyone to prioritize regular health screenings, especially available at health centers for free.
Interviewer: What can young adults do proactively to reduce their risk of stroke?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: It starts with awareness. Encourage healthy eating habits, incorporating regular exercise into your routine, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and maintaining routine medical check-ups. Small changes can lead to significant improvements in overall health.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Taskworo, for this enlightening discussion. It’s a wake-up call for many of us to rethink our lifestyle choices.
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Thank you for having me. I hope everyone takes this message to heart for a healthier future.
Ess, which in turn affects sleep quality and overall health. This stress can increase blood pressure and lead to other health complications, creating a perfect storm for stroke risk, especially in young adults who may already have other risk factors like poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
Interviewer: You mentioned that some strokes can also be attributed to genetic factors and pre-existing medical conditions. Could you elaborate on this?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Yes, indeed. While lifestyle choices are significant, we cannot ignore the role of genetics and pre-existing health issues such as hypertension and diabetes. These conditions can manifest at a younger age than what we typically expect, especially if the individual has a family history of such issues. Therefore, it’s important for younger individuals to be aware of their family health history and get regular check-ups to catch potential problems early.
Interviewer: It’s good to hear there’s a focus on prevention. What advice would you give to young adults to help mitigate their stroke risk?
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: First and foremost, I encourage regular health screenings, which are often available for free at local health centers. On a personal level, making small lifestyle changes—like improving your diet by reducing fats and sugars, increasing physical activity, managing stress through techniques like mindfulness or exercise, and avoiding smoking—can have profound benefits in reducing stroke risk. Remember, every little bit helps.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Taskworo, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable in helping raise awareness about stroke risks among young adults.
Dr. Dodik Taskworo: Thank you for having me. Together, through awareness and proactive measures, we can reduce the incidence of stroke in our younger population.
