The Surprising Risk Factor for Stroke

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Author

Yasmine S. Ali, MD
June 26, 2024

Hello again!

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As I noted before, June is Men’s Health Month, so I’ll be featuring articles on men’s cardiovascular health in each issue of Speak for the Heart this month. Also in this week’s issue, we have a look at what recent research has uncovered as an important risk factor for stroke—one to which we hadn’t given much thought or attention before.

Please note that there will be no issue of this newsletter next week; we’ll resume the second week of July. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe Independence Day!

To your health,

Yasmine S. Ali, MD

Weekly Heart-Health News: The Highlights

Chronic loneliness may increase stroke risk in older adults, Harvard study shows - UPI.com

Chronic loneliness may greatly increase the risk of stroke in older adults, a new Harvard study shows.

www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/06/24/loneliness-stroke-risk-harvard-study/5891719263315

My Take:

This new study from Harvard researchers found that “chronic loneliness may greatly increase the risk of stroke” in adults aged 50 and older—raising risk by as much as 56% higher than those who consistently reported not feeling lonely.

In last week’s issue of my other weekly newsletter, Positive Vibes, I highlighted what 85 years of research have found to be the No.1 key to happiness: positive social connections. Maintaining positive relationships is associated with living longer, too—and the health impacts of chronic loneliness, as seen above, may help explain why.

Here’s that article on positive social connections and happiness:

An 85-year Harvard study found the No. 1 thing that makes us happy in life: It helps us 'live longer'

In 1938, Harvard researchers embarked on a decades-long study to find out: What is the secret to a happy life? Contrary to what think, it's not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet.

www.cnbc.com/2023/02/10/85-year-harvard-study-found-the-secret-to-a-long-happy-and-successful-life.html

And here’s a link to subscribe to Positive Vibes for free:

Positive Vibes

Tired of bad news? Subscribe to the Feel-Good Newsletter from Award-Winning Author Yasmine S. Ali, MD. No alarming messages. No dirty laundry. No politics. Just good news and a weekly ray of sunshine delivered to your inbox!

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What steps can you take to foster positive relationships in your life?

5 Tips for Men to Stay on Top of Their Health

For Men’s Health Month and Year Round

www.chestercountyhospital.org/news/health-eliving-blog/2021/june/5-tips-for-men-to-stay-on-top-of-their-health

My Take:

For our last issue of June, which is Men’s Health Month, here’s a roundup of 5 top tips for men to maintain their health and longevity. All of it is good advice, especially since many of men’s health conditions are preventable—including the No. 1 most common and severe condition, which is heart disease.

How many of these tips are you already following? What one tip could you add/implement in your life, starting this week?

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