By Dr. Cherry

Crosswalk.com Family Living Channel -
Strokes are occurring in epidemic proportions in the United States. Dramatic research reveals an epidemic of "silent" strokes -- strokes that people don't realize they're having. The statistic that really got my attention was that among people in the 70-79 age group, one person in three will have a silent stroke each year. Eleven million people in the United States are affected annually by a silent stroke.

The silent variety of stroke is 10-20 times more likely to occur than the so-called symptomatic stroke - the stroke that we are aware of. A silent stroke is one that is generally smaller than the symptomatic stroke and produces no symptoms, at least no symptoms that the patient perceives as a stroke.

There may be subtle signs, such as memory problems, headaches, and mild difficulties with balance when walking, that silent strokes are occurring. So, what's the problem with the silent stroke if you don't know it's there?

People who have had silent strokes are twice as likely to have a symptomatic, disabling stroke. Also, patients who have several silent strokes over a period of time may have worsening memory problems or dementia.

In a study on silent strokes, MRI brain scans were performed on over 3,000 people age 65 or older who had no history whatsoever of a stroke. Researchers were astounded to find that 923 (28 percent) of these people had evidence of a silent stroke on an MRI image.

Don't sit back and let the devil attack your brain. Take action now. If you have elevated blood pressure, get it down. If medication is needed for a period of time, consider the ACE inhibitors or ACE blockers. Have your cholesterol checked and, if it is elevated, get it down.

If your blood sugar is high, get it down. If you have a particular type of heart irregularity called atrial fibrillation, find out about this and get it treated. If you are having an increase or change in headache pattern, notice a recent onset of walking difficulties, or an increase in memory problems, get these checked out also.

Another thing you can do immediately to avoid silent strokes is to take a supplement with ingredients proven to stop strokes by dealing with the basic cause. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid lower levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine -- a risk factor for stroke. We need to saturate our blood with these vital, water-soluble vitamins. Omega-3 fatty acids, also known as essential fatty acids, can help prevent blood clots, which contribute to 80 percent of silent strokes.

Inflammation in the lining of blood vessels is now felt to contribute to the process that initiates hardening of the arteries. A simple substance from the pineapple plant known as bromelain is anti-inflammatory. Vitamin E can actually dilate, or enlarge, blood vessels, especially after consumption of fats.

You and I don't want to be among the one in three that becomes a statistic for silent strokes. It is so difficult to balance our diet naturally, that I am now recommending that everyone pray about a balanced nutrient supplement to protect their bodies.

Silent strokes are nothing new to medicine. However, this latest study is startling, as we had no idea that they were this common. Aggressively protect your temple. God is once again revealing to us the schemes and devices of the enemy. Take action now!


For more information on the ministry of Dr. Cherry, visit his website.