[HealthyTribes] May is National Stroke Awareness Month--Stroke in Oregon

[White Terresa L]

Good morning.

As you know, May is National Stroke Awareness Month and we are growing awareness in Oregon communities through the release of a combined chronic disease report with a specific volume related to stroke, "The Burden of Stroke in Oregon 2013." <http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/HeartDiseaseStroke/Documents/volume5.pdf>

During the past 20 years, stroke prevalence, hospitalizations and mortality have consistently declined in both Oregon and nationally. However, stroke is still the fourth leading cause of death in Oregon and the third leading cause of death in the United States overall. In 2011, an estimated 86,000 Oregon adults reported having a stroke, and there were 7,762 hospitalizations due to stroke with a total cost of nearly $254 million.

The report confirms that stroke affects some Oregonian communities more than others. A higher percentage of African American (4.8%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (4.2%) persons reported having a history of stroke compared to white (2.5%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (3.5%) persons.  In addition, Oregon adults with an annual household income of less than $20,000 (4.6%) were nearly four times more likely to report ever having a stroke than Oregon adults in households with an annual income of $50,000 or more (1.2%).

Common risk factors for stroke are prevalent among Oregonians.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol: Among the general population of Oregon adults, 28% reported high blood pressure and 32% high cholesterol. Among adults who reported a history of stroke, the proportion with high blood pressure nearly doubled at 51%, and the proportion with high cholesterol more than doubled at 70%.

Obesity: More than one-quarter of adults in Oregon are obese. Among adults who report having a stroke, 35% are obese

Cigarette smokers: Approximately one-in-three adults who reported a history of stroke were current cigarette smokers, compared to 20% of adults overall.

Lack of physical activity: Nearly half of adults who reported a history of stroke got inadequate physical activity, compared to 20% of adults overall

Oregon is committed to preventing stroke through a wide range of evidence-based practices. The Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section of the Oregon Public Health Division is working with local and state partners to:

*        Increase availability of healthy foods and beverages in child care facilities, schools, worksites and neighborhoods;

*        Increase places where people can move more safely;

*        Increase the number of environments that are tobacco-free;

*        Increase referrals to self-management programs so that people with chronic disease can live well and take care of themselves;

*        Improve delivery and use of quality health care services through the physician promotion of the ABCS - appropriate Aspirin therapy, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol control, Smoking cessation and reduced Sodium consumption.

This comprehensive, community-wide approach makes it easier for all Oregonians to eat better, move more and live tobacco-free wherever they live, work, play and learn.

We welcome your review of the report and the attached infographics.  Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.  We look forward to working with you to grow awareness about stroke, the communities most affected by stroke, and addressing the underlying risk factors that contribute to stroke.

Best regards,

Terresa White
Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program Analyst
Community Programs Liaison
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention | Center for Prevention and Health Promotion | Public Health Division | Oregon Health Authority | 800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 730 | Portland OR 97232 | Phone 971-673-1080 | E-mail terresa.l.white at state.or.us<mailto:terresa.l.white at state.or.us>

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