Lyle Dukes, Senior Pastor and Deborah Dukes, Co-Pastor of Harvest Life Changers Church, International in Woodbridge, Va. have been selected as national spokespersons and ambassadors for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Power To End Stroke” campaign.
“Power to End Stroke” is an education and awareness initiative to increase the consciousness of stroke in the African-American community. Through the program, African-Americans are provided information and tools to help them reduce their risk of stroke.
“We chose Pastors Lyle and Deborah Dukes as ambassadors for “Power To End Stroke”, because they represent the faith-based community, which is an important channel for reaching people, especially African Americans with important messages,” said Dr. Rani Whitfield, family practitioner and American Stroke Association volunteer.
According to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the burden of stroke is greater among African-Americans than any other ethnic group in America. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites, and Blacks 34-54 years old have four times the relative risk for stroke. More than 100,000 Blacks have a stroke each year and many don’t know that they are at risk.
The American Stroke Association states that stroke is the third highest ranked killer in the United States and a leading cause of disability; someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds.
Pastor Lyle Dukes stated, “We feel honored to be a part of educating our communities concerning this deadly condition.”
The couple leads a Washington, D.C. area ministry of over 5,000 members and were selected in an effort to bring greater awareness about stroke to the African-American community through their international ministry. The goal is to unite with the American Stroke Association’s objective to reach individuals through the church and other community roots about the importance of stroke prevention and living a healthier lifestyle.
“It is our desire to do what we can to improve the quality of life, especially among Blacks. We want to teach our population how to recognize five simple signs of stroke and to understand that getting to the hospital immediately can potentially reduce the pain and suffering from stroke,” said Dr. Emil Matarese, clinical neurologist and “Power To End Stroke” spokesperson.
The Dukes have been personally affected by extended family members experiencing a stroke. At a recent seminar the Dukes attended everyone in the room raised their hand when asked if they knew someone who had suffered a stroke.
Co-Pastor Dukes is the author of the highly sought-after book, The Accelerated Weight Loss Diet Plan and Journal, and the creator and producer of the Power Workout DVD and Power Walk CD. Co-pastor Deborah has been promoting the “Power To End Stroke” campaign through her book tours and encouraging people to take the Power To End Stroke pledge, which is a personal commitment that people sign promising to do something to reduce their risk for stroke.
Pastors Dukes practice what they preach and have been inspired to get serious about their health and lose weight. Husband and wife have changed their own lifestyles by eating healthier and staying physically active and both have lost a considerable amount of weight. Pastor Lyle Dukes lost 30 pounds and Co-Pastor Deborah lost 60 pounds in three months.
“It makes me feel good to change lives,” said Co-Pastor Deborah Dukes. I want people to feel good and look good. I care about them physically, mentally and spiritually. I don’t just want to preach healthy living but be a living testimony.”
For more information, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE or visit www.strokeassociation.org/power.
