Are you living in a "food swamp"? Do you know what a food swamp is? Living near one of these can put you at risk of a life-threatening stroke.
A food swamp is an area with more fast food and junk food options than healthy options.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center found that Americans' risk of stroke depends on the degree to which their hometown is a food swamp.
So it happened. Among nearly 18,000 adults age 50 and older, those living in US states with food swamps were 13 percent more likely to have a stroke than those living in areas with healthier options.
"It has been proven in the past that food waste is an indicator of obesity," says the doctor. Charles Hong, a cardiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dr. Hong said there are many reasons for this.
"Fast food or packaged foods contain more fat, salt and phosphate, and these 3 ingredients are more commonly found in processed foods and are significant predictors of atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, high blood pressure and heart failure," the doctor said. Hong Kong
In 2020, metro Baltimore was ranked the 12th densest city for fast food options by CBS News .
U.S. Census data shows that there are about 97 fast-food restaurants per 100,000 people.
"If you live in certain areas of Baltimore, there are no healthy options," said Dr. "It's fast food and convenience food that's relatively cheap, and a lot of our neighbors in less affluent neighborhoods do it," Hong said. So I think sometimes it's not just a matter of convenience, it's something that happens to them.
But food swamps themselves can be a barrier to healthy lifestyles. So what can you do?
"I think Baltimore has a high rate of cardiovascular disease. I think there needs to be more education about healthy living and healthy living from an early age," said Dr. Hong Kong
Dr. Hong says everything is in moderation, and comfortable doesn't necessarily mean healthy.
"I think we all live in a food swamp...even in the suburbs. It's everywhere, but it's your choice to live a healthy lifestyle," said Dr. Hong
Doctors say the first signs of a stroke are sudden changes in your ability to speak, sudden weakness on one side of your body, or a sudden loss of sensation on one side or the other.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor or 911 right away.