Health officials are raising awareness during Survive Stroke Week
Recent studies show stroke ranked as the 4th leading cause of death for Hispanic men and the 3rd for Hispanic women. Bethany Girtler, Stroke Program Manager at Emplify Health, says, 'Stroke is a medical emergency. A lot of times, what I see, not specifically in our area but across the United States, is that there's less access to healthcare, there's less access to resources. And maybe some of the stroke information is not put out there in a way that they can read it, understand it.'
Despite the urgent nature of stroke, a CDC report showed just 58% of Hispanic adults could identify symptoms of a stroke compared to other demographics. Dr. Dabus says, 'We don't have data to explain (exactly) why that happens, we just know that since 2013, the incidents of stroke, meaning the number of Hispanics that suffer stroke every year, is actually increasing.'
Furthermore, while some say stroke is preventable, it can still happen to people at any age. Dr. Dabus explains, 'Taking care of blood pressure, making sure diabetes are under control, make sure cholesterol is under control. Not smoking, exercising, have a healthier lifestyle. Even if you do everything correctly, a stroke may still happen. So, it's important that people understand that if you're having a stroke or any sign that you may be having a stroke, you need to contact emergency services. Call 11 or have a loved one call 911.'
Girtler adds, 'So, regardless if your symptoms are very small, sometimes people could just have a facial droop, other people can have symptoms that affect weakness on like an entire side of their body, their ability to talk.' The goal of Survive Stroke Week is to give an important reminder that stroke can be treated and everyone should seek medical help. No matter the severity.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Your kidneys do a lot more than you probably realize. They filter your blood, balance fluid levels, regulate hormones, and help keep everything from your blood pressure to your energy levels in check. Despite how essential they are, kidney health often gets overlooked - and that can be a problem. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 adults in the US has chronic kidney disease, and many don't even know it. Your kidneys are quietly working around the clock to keep your body in balance. They filter waste, regulate essential hormones, and help manage everything from blood pressure to red blood cell production. But like any vital organ, they need care and attention to function at their best. According to the CDC, more than 1 in 7 US adults live with chronic kidney disease, and many don't even realize it. That makes early prevention and daily support even more important. Fortunately, you don't need to make dramatic lifestyle changes to support kidney health. 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Fatty fish Fish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to the National Kidney Foundation. If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor. Jacobs3. Bell peppers Like cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too. You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner. 4. Cranberries Cranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation. Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table. 5. Blueberries We've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberries deliver. With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD. 6. Dark, leafy greens There are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits. Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet. 7. Olive oil Rich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard University found that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer. Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin. 8. Garlic Another antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin — an active compound found in garlic — worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list. Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt. 9. Onions From the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper. They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images 10. Cauliflower Cauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work. Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake. 11. Egg whites Egg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis. 12. Arugula Arugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types. You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example. 13. Apples Apples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.
