Stroke is rejuvenating at a rapid rate, what is the main cause?

The number of strokes in young people is increasing. (Source: Healthline)

While many people still believe that stroke only occurs in the elderly, reality is showing an alarming trend: stroke and chronic diseases are "rejuvenating" at a rapid rate.

A large-scale study recently published in the scientific journal Nutrients shows that the majority of adolescents around the world are maintaining unhealthy lifestyle habits - a major factor increasing the risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and especially stroke.

The study, conducted by scientists at the University of South Australia, surveyed more than 293,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 73 countries across five regions: the Americas, the Western Pacific , the Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Southeast Asia. Experts assessed lifestyle factors such as activity levels, diet, screen time and living habits, and found alarming figures: 85% did not achieve minimum physical activity levels; 80% did not eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables; 50% consumed fast food regularly; 39% consumed too many soft drinks and sugary drinks; 32% spent too much time in front of the screen every day.

In total, more than 92.5% of adolescents had two or more unhealthy behaviors, of which: 30% had two behaviors; 36.5% had three behaviors; 21.5% had four behaviors; 4.5% had all five risky behaviors.

Stroke is no longer an old age disease

"Adolescence is a foundational period for long-term health. However, the convenience of fast food, sedentary habits and hours spent glued to phones or computers are causing teens to drift further away from a healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Ming Li, lead author of the study.

These behaviors contribute to risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood lipids, all of which are precursors to early stroke and cardiovascular disease. In fact, a growing number of medical reports show that stroke cases in young people, even those under the age of 25, are on the rise.

Why is an unhealthy lifestyle more dangerous than genetics?

According to many medical studies, unhealthy lifestyles account for up to 70% of the causes of disease, while genetic factors only account for about 30%. This is a number worth pondering, because it proves that we can completely proactively prevent disease by adjusting our daily living behaviors.

Lifestyle diseases go beyond stroke and include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and certain cancers linked to obesity and diet.

The solution is not new but always effective

The good news is that many chronic diseases can be prevented with just small but consistent lifestyle changes: Increase physical activity: At least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for adolescents; Eat healthy: Eat enough fruits and vegetables, reduce saturated fat, avoid processed foods and soft drinks.

Limit screen time: No more than two hours per day with electronic entertainment devices; Get enough sleep: 8-10 hours per night for teens.

No smoking, limited alcohol: Even for underage groups, early prevention communication is still needed.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dot-quy-tre-hoa-voi-toc-do-nhanh-chong-dau-la-nguyen-nhan-chinh-323216.html