Comedian Sinbad Suffers Stroke: Prayers Up!

Long-time comedian, Sinbad, is recovering from a recent stroke, the stand-up comedian’s family confirmed in a statement to the Associated Press on Monday.

“Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many generations,” the comedian’s family said. “While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faithful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon.”

Born David Adkins, Sinbad just had a birthday celebrating his 64th birthday, but then just days after he was stricken by a stroke.

According to the CDC, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in men, killing almost the same number of men each year as prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease combined. Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability, and men under age 44 are hospitalized for ischemic stroke at a higher rate than women in the same age group.

These facts are alarming, but there is good news: About 4 in 5 strokes are preventable. That’s why it’s important to know your risk for stroke and take action to reduce the risk.

What Strokes do the Body

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, happens when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When brain cells are starved of oxygen, they die.

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Stroke Risks for Men

One of the main factors that put men at a higher risk for a stroke:

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major risk factor for stroke.

Nearly half of men (47%) have high blood pressure (greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg) or are taking medicine for their blood pressure. Four out of 5 men with high blood pressure do not have their blood pressure controlled.

Half of U.S. men, or 17.3 million people, who are recommended to take medicine for high blood pressure aren’t treated or aren’t taking medicine. Two out of 3 of these men have a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg.

Half of men who are taking medicine for high blood pressure but whose blood pressure is uncontrolled have a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg.

Other risk factors for stroke include:

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• Smoking damages blood vessels, which can cause a stroke. About 1 in 6 men smoke. Men are also more likely to be smokers than women are.
• Being overweight or obese increases stroke risk. About 3 in 4 men in the United States are overweight or obese.
• Diabetes increases stroke risk because it can harm blood vessels in the brain. About 1 in 9 men have diabetes.
• Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure levels and increase the risk for stroke. It also increases levels of triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood that can harden your arteries. Men are more likely than women to drink too much alcohol.
• Not enough physical activity. Not getting enough physical activity can lead to other health conditions that can raise the risk for stroke. In 2017, fewer than 1 out of 3 men met the guidelines for aerobics and muscle strengthening.

Why Black Men are More at Risk

Almost half of African Americans have a risk factor that can lead to a stroke.

• More than 2 in 5 African American men have blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg or are taking medicine to control their blood pressure. High blood pressure is more severe in African-American men than in white men with more than 3 in 5.
• African-American men with a blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg or who are taking medicine to control their blood pressure do not have it under control.
• About 1 in 9 African-American men have been diagnosed with diabetes, and many more have the disease but do not know it. Sickle cell disease, an inheritable blood disorder that affects between 70,000 – 100,000 individuals in the U.S. many of whom are African Americans, can lead to a stroke. About 1 in 365 African-American babies are born with sickle cell disease.
• About 1 in 5 African American men smoke.
• About 7 in 10 African American men are overweight or obese.
• Eating too much salt, or sodium, can raise your blood pressure, putting you at higher risk of stroke. Researchers think there may be a gene that makes African Americans more sensitive to the effects of salt, which in turn increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.

Sinbad first burst onto the comedy scene in the 1990s, doing stand up gigs all over the country and then eventually gaining fame with his now-classic, HBO stand-up special. His notoriety grew when he landed a role as Coach Walter Oaks on “A Different World.”

He has also acted in several films, including “Houseguest,” “First Kid” and the Christmas comedy “Jingle All the Way.”

Most recently, Sinbad had a main role on the critically-acclaimed Fox series “Rel,” which was created by Lil Rel Howery and Kevin Barnett and based on Howery’s life. Sinbad played Milton, Howery’s widowed father on the show that ran for one season from 2018-2019.

The comedian also appeared on shows like “The Comedy Bang Bang,” “The Eric Andre Show” and voiced characters on Disney’s “The Lion Guard,” “Steven Universe” and “American Dad.”

Celebrities and fans alike have flocked to social media to share their love, prayers and get-well wishes to Sinbad.