Strokes on the rise in young people: Scientists find cause

Scientists from the University of South Australia (Australia) conducted a study of more than 293,770 adolescents aged 12-17, from 73 countries across five regions, including the Americas, Western Pacific , Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Southeast Asia. The researchers assessed habit patterns, including exercise, food consumption, screen time, and found that:

• 85% do not exercise enough.
• 80% do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.
• 50% regularly consume fast food.
• 39% drink too many soft drinks.
• 32% spend too much time on screens, according to Nutrients .

Illustration: AI

Overall, more than 92.5% of teens engage in two or more unhealthy behaviors, putting them at increased risk for chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular disease — including heart attacks and strokes — and diabetes.

Specifically, 30% of adolescents have 2 behaviors; 36.5% have 3 behaviors; 21.5% have 4 behaviors and 4.5% have 5 unhealthy behaviors.

Lead researcher Dr Ming Li from the University of South Australia said: “Adolescence is a critical period for physical, mental and emotional growth and development, and it lays the foundations for long-term health. But with snacking so easily available, and physical activity often replaced by screen time, more and more teenagers are developing unhealthy habits that could lead to serious health problems later in life.

Diseases that can be prevented by changing lifestyle

Lifestyle diseases refer to diseases caused by habits and behaviors such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep, smoking, drinking alcohol. Of these, lifestyle accounts for 70% and genetics accounts for 30%.

Lifestyle diseases can include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and certain cancers.

Smart lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on your health. Be more active; eat a diet high in fiber, low in fat, and rich in fruits and vegetables; eliminate processed foods; get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night; don’t smoke; and limit your alcohol intake. Making healthy lifestyle changes can help teens and adults stay healthy.