Grow Up in the South? A Stroke May Be In Your Future
The stroke belt. That's what many call southeastern states like Mississippi (the fattest state in the nation) and Alabama, even Georgia. And it's because more people who grew up or live in that area are prone to strokes. Experts say the risk exists even if you move away, according to a story by Mary MacVean of the LA Times. A new study curiously places the highest risk on people who lived in the south from ages 13 to 18 -- 17% higher. "Researchers speculated that adolescence is a time when many people set in place certain important habits – smoking, dietary choices – that affect stroke risk," MacVean reports. But others say factors like air pollution, environmental tobacco smoke, metals, and pesticides may also increase the risk of stroke. Here's another scary fact. Love your Coke? Plan on diabetes. That's what a new study is reporting. As little as one sugary soda a day can increase your chances of getting this disease by almost 2...