Author Archives: Dr. Rizzo

Approximately 50.2 million Americans live without health insurance. 
U.S. Census Bureau, Sept 2011
 

Smokers are twice as likely to have strokes, and on average, they have them 10 years earlier than non-smokers.
Heart and Stroke Foundation, Oct 2011

Researches claim vacations help us recharge our batteries and perform at a higher level once we return to work. However, because the after-effects are short-lived, we should take trips more frequently in order to keep our levels of health and well-being high.
The Psychologist, Aug 2011

For over 50 years, scientists have known zinc plays a vital role in the brain but were not quite sure what that role is. Now, researchers from the Duke University Medical Center and MIT have discovered that zinc regulates the communication between neurons in the hippocampus, where learning and memory processes occur.
Neuron, Aug 2011

From 1995-2008, ischemic stroke incidence rose 50% for males age 35-44; 46% for males age 15-34; and 51% for boys age 5-14. For females age 35-44, ischemic stroke incidence rose 29%; 23% for females age 15-34; and 3% for girls age 5-14. One in three ischemic stroke patients aged 15-34 had three stroke factors, while half of 35-44 year olds with ischemic stroke had hypertension. Risk factors said to be linked to stroke risk include family history; having had a previous stroke; having had a transient ischemic attack; African Americans and those of Hispanic or Asian/Pacific Island descent have a higher risk of stroke; birth control pills; cardiovascular disease; cocaine usage; diabetes; heavy alcohol consumption; hypertension; high cholesterol; high amino acid levels in the blood; obesity/ overweight; smoking; being over 55 years of age.
Annals of Neurology, Aug 2011