I am an African American woman who will be 60 years old on October 25, 2009. I was shocked by your story on African Americans' high risk of strokes (Black, White, and Gray, May/June 2009). I am an insulin-dependent diabetic with hypertension and high cholesterol. Recently I went to my neurologist and he asked me to cross my arms and stand up out of my chair. I could barely stand up. He told me that I need to start walking regularly for exercise.
I really don't think that African Americans are getting the message-including myself, until I read your story. Many of us don't know the big picture, and when we do, it's too late.
Linda Raskin
Desert Hot Springs, CA