Long-time comedian, Sinbad, is recovering from a recent stroke, the stand-up comedian’s family confirmed in a statement to the Associated Press on Monday.
“Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many generations,” the comedian’s family said. “While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faithful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon.”
Born David Adkins, Sinbad just had a birthday celebrating his 64th birthday, but then just days after he was stricken by a stroke.
According to the CDC, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in men, killing almost the same number of men each year as prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease combined. Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability, and men under age 44 are hospitalized for ischemic stroke at a higher rate than women in the same age group.
These facts are alarming, but there is good news: About 4 in 5 strokes are preventable. That’s why it’s important to know your risk for stroke and take action to reduce the risk.
What Strokes do the Body
A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells are starved of oxygen, they die.
Stroke Risks for Men
One of the main factors that put men at a higher risk for a stroke:
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major risk factor for stroke.
Nearly half of men (47%) have high blood pressure (greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg) or are taking medicine for their blood pressure. Four out of 5 men with high blood pressure do not have their blood pressure controlled.
Half of U.S. men, or 17.3 million people, who are recommended to take medicine for high blood pressure aren’t treated or aren’t taking medicine. Two out of 3 of these men have a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg.
Half of men who are taking medicine for high blood pressure but whose blood pressure is uncontrolled have a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg.
Other risk factors for stroke include:
Smoking damages blood vessels, which can cause a stroke. About 1 in 6 men smoke. Men are also more likely to be smokers than women are.
Being overweight or obese increases stroke risk. About 3 in 4 men in the United States are overweight or obese.
Diabetes increases stroke risk because it can harm blood vessels in the brain. About 1 in 9 men have diabetes.
Drinking too much alcohol can