Strokes continue to be one of the leading healthcare concerns. They occur when the blood supply to the brain becomes blocked. This disease affects the arteries leading to and within the brain, and any sign of a stroke require immediate medical attention. According to the American Stroke Association, it is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. In addition, a person falls victim to a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States, which results in millions of Americans having a new or recurrent stroke each year. With the increase strokes, it is estimated that Americans will pay about $73.7 billion for stroke related cost and disabilities. These are staggering statistics. Education on stroke prevention is needed and paramount. One person that’s leading a stroke awareness campaign is Cory Taylor.
Mr. Taylor is a celebrity manager whose celebrity client roster (past and present) includes SWV, 702, Changing Faces, Keith Sweat, Kelly Price, Faith Evans, 112, Jim Jones, Fantasia and more. He is an advocate for stroke awareness as he fell victim by having an untimely stroke at his home at the age of 41. Since his stroke, Cory has been spearheading an educational initiative to help prevent this medical scare. He is now an ambassador of the American Heart and Stroke Association. He works tirelessly within the community giving tips and alerts on the warning signs of a stroke.
Mr. Taylor took time out of his very busy schedule to discuss the importance of living a healthier lifestyle and shared some techniques to detect potential signs of a stroke
AF. You suffered from stroke in the prime of your career. What lesson or takeaway did you gain from that experience?
CT: The most important lesson I learned was that anyone at any time may have suffer a stroke. You just never know. I also learn that life can happen for anyone at any time as it happened to me. I never stop living. I just had to adjust my way of living.
AF. Can you please explain the acronym F.A.S.T. and why it’s so important for early detection of a stroke?
CT: I experience only weakness, but all it takes is one, if not all, of these symptoms to call the paramedics. Everyone’s symptoms may be different. It is important to always listen to your body. If your body is telling you something is not right, please do not delay! Go and get yourself checked out ASAP! Your health is not a game to play with. Trust me I know.
AF. Our research suggests that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. What are some things that you feel may prevent a stroke?
CT: I think eliminating unnecessary stress, a healthy and well balanced diet, an exercise regimen and drinking plenty of water. These things will help with preventing a stroke! Please cut down on fast food, fried foods, fatty foods, and sugary drinks. They are not good for your body at all.
AF. You are now national ambassador of the American Heart and Stroke Association. How has that assisted you in championing stroke awareness?
CT: I made the decision to use my platform to speak about stroke awareness and just be more proactive! My thought is, If I could help one person than that is one less person who does not have to go through what I went through with having a mild stroke. I realized that GOD may have chosen me to have this stroke because he felt like I could handle everything that has come along with it. It is my obligation to talk about stroke prevention.
AF. You have managed so many celebrity careers. How has your health impacted your work and personal life?
CT: Being a manager in the entertainment business is super stressful and it takes a toll on you mentally, physically, and financially. I have learned how to balance my work life with my personal life.
AF. What project(s) are you currently working on?
CT: I am working with Faith Evans and Doug E. Fresh on two separate television projects. I also reassembled the R&B group “702” and have them on the road, as well touring.
You can keep up to date with Cory Taylor by following him on social media – Instagram: @corytaylorva and Twitter: CoryTaylorVA.
To find out more about the American Heart and Stroke Association at click here.
