Frequent Stroke Risk Higher for Some Hispanics

Study finds,Mexican-Americans with atrial fibrillation twice as likely to suffer a second stroke compared to whites.
Mexican-American stroke survivors with a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation are more than twice as likely to suffer a second stroke compared to white patients, a new study finds.
It also found that even though these strokes are more likely to be severe among Mexican-Americans, they don't have a greater risk of death after a second stroke.
In people with atrial fibrillation, the heart's upper chambers (atria) beat irregularly and don't pump blood effectively. This can cause blood to pool within the atria, which can lead to the formation of blood clots that can break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
This study included 88 Mexican-Americans and 148 white stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation. Compared to the white patients, the Mexican-American stroke survivors were younger, less likely to have completed 12 years of education, more likely to have diabetes, and less likely to have a primary care physician.
Over a median follow-up of 427.5 days, 19 Mexican-Americans and 14 whites had at least one recurrent stroke. All but one of those cases involved an ischemic stroke, which is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain. One Mexican-American patient suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which is bleeding in the brain.
"Based on some of our prior research, we were not necessarily surprised by the higher recurrence rate in Mexican-Americans with atrial fibrillation, but the greater severity of recurrent strokes in Mexican-Americans was surprising," co-author Dr. Darin B. Zahuranec, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Research Center in Ann Arbor, said in an American Heart Association news release.
One reason for the difference in stroke rates could be that Mexican-Americans may not have managed the blood-thinning drug warfarin -- often used to prevent stroke -- in the most optimal way, Zahuranec said. He and his colleagues did not evaluate outpatient use of warfarin, which might have contributed to the increased risk of stroke in Mexican-Americans.

College Students Reminded to clean Their Hands

As college students start on to settle into their new dorm rooms at campuses countrywide, one New York City-based public health advocate is contribution some basic advice to help them stay healthy during the upcoming flu season.
Kathryn Hutchinson, executive director of health and wellness at St. John's University, meaningful out that the first thing students should do, ideally before leaving home, is to discuss the option of getting a flu vaccine with their parents and physician. This may help improve any anxiety students have about whether or not to get the shot.
Ahead of taking that step, Hutchinson encourages students to arrive at school armed and ready to keep their hands clean and preserve a sanitary environment. That means stocking a supply of soap, as well as cleaning provisions to wipe down desks, sinks, computer keyboards and any other shared surfaces.
Frequent handwashing is a must, and hand sanitizers are useful when washing is impossible. But, Hutchinson harassed, sharing glassware, utensils and personal items such as toiletries (razors, toothbrushes, combs) is definitely not a good idea.
Also, students are urged to keep a digital thermometer on hand, and their health insurance card in case they need medical attention.
One good way to keep from distribution germs is to practice "cough etiquette" -- in other words cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, bowl away any used tissues immediately, and wash your hands as soon as possible.
Overall, Hutchinson said, most students will find that the usual recommendations -- an work out routine, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep -- are the keys to staying healthy, as well as reducing their stress. But if and when health problems arise, she advises students to call a health care professional immediately.