“The more you smoke, the more you stroke,”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

The risk of stroke may more than double for Black Americans who smoke.

Smoking raises stroke risk. A new study reports that the risk of stroke may more than double for Black Americans who smoke. The risk gets higher based on the number of cigarettes that are smoked.

The findings were just published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers used data from the Jackson Heart Study. This is the largest study focused on cardiovascular risk factors for Black Americans. The study included 5306 participants, aged 21 to 84 years.

The researchers accounted for other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, age, and high cholesterol. They found that the stroke risk was 2.5 times higher for current smokers compared with people who never smoked. Individuals who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day, had a stroke risk of 2.8 times greater.

A significant finding suggests benefits for quitting. The study reported no significant difference between smokers who had quit and individuals who had never smoked.

Black Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke

“Stroke is a leading cause of death and illness,” shares Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “Cigarette smoking significant increases the risk. Prior studies show that Black Americans are disproportionately affected more by stroke.”

Compared with white Americans, the risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for blacks. Other studies have found that blacks are twice as likely to die from stroke.

Smokers especially need critical illness insurance planning

“One American has a stroke every 40 seconds,” Slome explains. “Smokers have a significant risk and the financial consequences can be significant. That’s why some planning in your 40s or 50s is so essential.” Smoking raises stroke risk the critical illness insurance expert points out. “The more you smoke, the more you stroke,” he adds.

Slome offers some suggestions for getting the best value for critical illness insurance costs. “Some insurers offer uni-smoker rates where smokers and non-smokers pay the same yearly premium,” Slome points out. “That can amount to a significant savings for insurance coverage. If you can find that, definitely see if you can qualify.”

To learn more read what does critical illness insurance cover or to find a quality insurance company call the Association at 818-597-3205.

* Journal of American Heart Association, June 10, 2020

Photo Source: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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“Strokes are one of the top-3 reasons critical illness insurance policyholders file a claim.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Stroke and ci insurance

Stroke and ci insurance news: New research suggests that the shingles vaccine may reduce stroke risk. The vaccine is commonly known to protect against the often painful infection caused by the chickenpox virus.

The study’s lead researcher is Quanhe Yang, a senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Yang reviewed the Medicare health records of more than one million people. The individuals were 66 or older and all had received the Zoster Vaccine Live between 2008 and 2014. The researchers compared the data with one million people of the same age who had not received the vaccination.

The shingles vaccine lowered the risk of clot-caused ischemic strokes by about 18 percent. It lowered the risk of hemorrhagic, or bleeding strokes by about 12 percent according to their preliminary findings.

“Approximately one million people in the United States get shingles each year, yet there is a vaccine to help prevent it,” said Yang. “Our study results may encourage people ages 50 and older to follow the recommendation and get vaccinated against shingles. You are reducing the risk of shingles, and at the same time you may be reducing your risk of stroke.”

Stroke and CI Insurance: One of the three major covered diseases

Every 40 seconds one American has a stroke according to data reported by the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. “Strokes are one of the top-3 reasons critical illness insurance policyholders file a claim,” explains Jesse Slome, the organization’s director.

Critical illness insurance can provide a lump sum cash payment immediately following a stroke. Read tips that explain important ways to compare and get the best critical illness insurance quotes.

Tips for critical illness insurance planning

Thirdly, stroke is only one health risk. Indeed cancer is a significant risk especially at ages prior to 70.

Fourthly, read tips to better compare critical illness insurance coverage. Significantly there are differences between policies. Therefore the helpful tips can save you money.

* American Heart Association News, February 12, 2020

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Recognize the stroke warning signs and know how to act. Do not brush off short-lived stroke symptoms.

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Strokes and Critical Illness Insurance

Know the three stroke warning signs because every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. There are common telltale signs that someone is having a stroke.

“Recognize the stroke warning signs and know how to act,” advises Jesse Slome. Slome is director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII). “Too few Americans know any of the four stroke symptoms. The simplest way is to remember the letters F-A-S-T.”

According to Slome, the first three letters (F-A-S) cover the most common stroke symptoms. F stands for Face. “Look for face drooping,” Slome suggests. “Often one side of the lips droop lower than the other.”

The “A” stands for Arm. “Arm weakness is a common symptom,” Slome adds. “Look for the third symptom, speech difficulty.” Stroke experts suggest adding two additional letters (B and E). “Remember the phrase BE FAST,” Slome acknowledged.

B stands for balance and the E for eyes. “Balance is a harder sign to judge because many older adults already have balance issues,” Slome says. Eye symptoms can include blurred vision, seeing double or having trouble focusing.

FAST action vital even if symptoms are short lived

“Rapid response is responsible for increased treatment and survival following a stroke,” Slome advocates. “Call 911 emergency services immediately. Be sure to note the time when you first noticed symptoms. This can be helpful to emergency treatment.

Do not brush off short-lived stroke symptoms. Experts explain they may represent a transient ischemic attack or TIA. This is often called a mini-stroke.

Critical illness insurance can provide a lump sum cash payment immediately following a stroke. Read tips that explain important ways to compare and get the best critical illness insurance quotes.

Tips for critical illness insurance planning

First of all, the Association recommends all men and women over 40 read more about what is critical illness insurance?

Secondly, use the Association’s instant critical illness insurance cost calculator to see an instant estimate of costs.

Thirdly, stroke is only one health risk. Indeed cancer is a significant risk especially at ages prior to 70.

Fourthly, read tips to better compare critical illness insurance coverage. Significantly there are differences between policies. Therefore the helpful tips can save you money.

* American Heart Association, Stroke Risk Report

Equally important, here are additional tips for consumers.
Firstly, adults 55-65 should also learn more about long-term care insurance. Visit the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance to learn more. Then request a free no obligation quote from a LTC insurance specialist.
Secondly, adults turning 65 can find Local Medicare Agents using the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance‘s free online lookup.
Thirdly, learn about stroke signs and symptoms. Specifically print them out if you believe you are at higher risk.
Fourthly, if you think someone is having a stroke, immediately call 911. Since immediate treatment improves the chances of surviving a stroke.
Finally, try to live a more healthy lifestyle. Undeniably it’s the most important thing you can do.

The post Stroke Warning Signs Shared appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

A stroke is one of the three primary health issues covered under critical illness insurance. If you don’t plan before age 55 you may not be able to obtain this important protection.

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Strokes and Critical Illness Insurance

Americans face a huge stroke risk. Significantly, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. A study from the American Heart Association shows the 10-year risk for men and women at age 55. It weights risk factors including blood pressure, diabetes and cigarette smoking.

“You are highly likely to survive a stroke” explains Jesse Slome. Slome is director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII). “But many survivors are not prepared for costs associated with surviving a stroke. Accordingly the study helps show who is at greater risk.”

Women who smoke, have diabetes and high blood pressure face the greatest risk (27.0 percent). Those women who do not smoke, have good blood pressure numbers and no diabetes face the lowest risk (1.1 percent). Undoubtedly the data is helpful. However numbers can’t predict your individual real risk, Slome adds. Therefore it’s important for all to think about their future.

Stroke is one of the three primary health issues covered under a critical illness insurance policy. “If you don’t plan before age 55 you may not be able to obtain this important protection,” Slome explains. Following a health incident, obtaining insurance protection is unlikely. Earlier planning is essential, the expert points out. Before turning 50 is ideal for critical illness insurance.

Estimated 10-Year Stroke Risk in adults age 55

Chart and data from American Heart Association, Circulation, Volume 131(4):e29-e322, January 27, 2015

“Chiefly, start learning about critical illness insurance in your 40s,” Slome advocates. “Consider coverage equal to the cost of between 6 and 18 months of rent or mortgage payments,” he suggests. “Undoubtedly this benefit will give you time to recover while this major expense as well as others covered.”

Tips for critical illness insurance planning

First of all, the Association recommends all men and women over 40 read more about what is critical illness insurance?

Secondly, use the Association’s instant critical illness insurance cost calculator to see an instant estimate of costs.

Thirdly, stroke is only one health risk. Indeed cancer is a significant risk especially at ages prior to 70.

Fourthly, read tips to better compare critical illness insurance coverage. Significantly there are differences between policies. Therefore the helpful tips can save you money.

* American Heart Association, Stroke Risk Report

The post Stroke Risk for Men and Women at Age 55 appeared first on American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.

Nearly 800,000 Americans will have a stroke this year. For 600,000 it will be their first stroke. “Most will survive but their savings won’t. Having a small amount of critical illness insurance is vital. All men who are 45+ should consider it.”

Jesse Slome, director of the American Association of Critical Illness Insurance

Stroke Survival: Importance of Pre-Planning

Every 40 seconds, someone in America suffers a stroke. That’s according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Most will survive but their savings won’t,” says Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance (AACII).  “Even those with health insurance face significant costs that are not covered and many will need to take unpaid time off from work to recover. Bankruptcy is a real risk.”

The Association shared data regarding stroke survival at 1 year and 5 year intervals following a stroke.

The data reveals some very important information. Strokes tend to occur at older ages. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65 according to The Internet Stroke Center. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after the age of 55.

“Men tend to have strokes at earlier ages,” according to the AACII director. “The risk is real and the need to do some pre-planning is real. That’s where a small amount of critical illness insurance can make all the difference.” What is critical illness insurance? “If you are age 45 or more, you need to know this,” Slome advocates. “Consider enough coverage to cover the cost or rent or mortgage payments for one or two years is smart planning.”

Age 45 Or Older, You Need To Plan For The Very Real Risk

Between ages 45 and 64, only 11 percent of white males (and eight percent of black males) will die within one year following their first stroke. The number of women still alive will be slightly lower.

“You want to focus on recovery, not about paying your bills,” Slome adds. “For most people a small amount of critical illness insurance is all they’ll need.” The Association director tends to focus on what he calls a ‘Good, Better Best’ approach. The amounts of coverage range from between $10,000 to $25,000. “If you are 45 or older, you might be surprised at just how little this amount costs.”

Stroke Survival: Probability of Being Alive After 5 Years

The probability of death within five years after a first stroke is nearly 20 percent for white males and roughly 25 percent for white females. “Most stroke victims will be alive,” Slome adds. “That’s good news.”
The charts shown are from Pooled Data from the Framingham Heart Study, the Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Stroke Risk Is Real For Men: Check Out Affordability of CI Insurance

Critical illness or cancer insurance polices can help save the day following a stroke.  To learn more about critical illness insurance and costs for coverage, visit the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance where a critical illness insurance cost calculator will help you quickly get insight into the affordability of coverage.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stroke Facts 2020

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