Young people are having more strokes

We were hoping to have seen the last of this topic, but it’s refusing to go away. Having previously covered rising cancer rates among young people, we are now seeing rising stroke rates among that same group.Strokes can be caused by heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle choices can cause strokes.And while modern medicine has made progress in treating strokes, make no mistake: they remain dangerous. Some 80 per cent of stroke patients survive, but half of those are left with serious disabilities, not to mention the 20 per cent who actually succumb.Overall, stroke is set to become a bigger challenge in the coming years. Heart & Stroke estimates that over 400,000 Canadians are living with the effects of stroke, a number that is expected to double in the next 20 years.Although 80 per cent of strokes occur in people over 60, the number of stroke patients between the ages of 20-59 has increased by 11 per cent in the last ten years. Greater access to processed food, sedentary lifestyles and higher obesity rates among children may be driving the increase in strokes.One challenge facing young stroke patients is that the supports currently in place focus on older patients. From the insurance perspective, things become even trickier in that young people may be more likely to dismiss potential health issues because of their youth.To tackle these challenges, we must get into action and kick start some conversations. Young people have to become present to the risks facing them and address them proactively. This means consulting your doctor, getting a physical and chatting up your insurer to see how you can protect yourself down the line should anything happen.One specific point for young people in addressing strokes is that this group is working, with many entering their prime working age. Whereas retirees may need help recovering basic walking and speaking skills, young people may require treatment to return to high demand workplaces and continue performing at a high level.Because there are far removed from retirement, many young people expect having to return to work following a stroke. Therefore, their insurance needs include income replacement in case of any medical emergency.We recommend everyone to speak with their broker who can help you figure out what your policies cover and whether there are any gaps and challenges in your coverage.There may be light at the end of the tunnel for young people. Insurers are capitalizing on this generation’s eagerness for technology by offering incentive programs for healthy living through IOT devices like wearable technology and fitness monitors.To young people we say: don’t sit on your hands! – literally and metaphorically. Leverage the tools you’re already using and the ones of tomorrow to address the risky future rushing at you.