Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower
(1896-1979)

LINKS ON THIS PAGE
Background
Selected Achievements
Stroke and Leading Causes of Death
Tips to Reduce Your Risk for Stroke
Related Links

Background

Born in Boone, Iowa in 1896, Mamie Geneva Doud grew to become a vivacious young woman. She attended public schools in Denver and finished her education at Miss Wolcott’s School, a prestigious private school for prominent families.

In October 1915, a mutual friend introduced Mamie to Second Lieutenant Dwight D. Eisenhower, fondly known as Ike. They were married in the Doud family home in Denver, Colorado in July of 1916. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, her husband’s assignments took them to Panama, France, and the Philippines. During the difficult war years, she chose to get involved in charity work, war fundraisers, and volunteer activities.

Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower served as First Lady from 1953 to 1961. She was a very popular First Lady and was known for her personal style and love for fashion. On September 25, 1979, she suffered a stroke and was hospitalized until her death on the morning of November 1, 1979.

Selected Achievements

• Assisted in raising funds for institutions and charities, including Eisenhower Memorial Hospital in Palm Springs, California
• Often appeared on the lists for Ten Most Admired Women in America and Best Dressed

Stroke and Leading Causes of Death

Mrs. Eisenhower died from a stroke in 1979. At that time, stroke was the third leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 163,054 people. Stroke has remained the third leading cause of death, and it is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. In 2000, stroke killed 167,661 people (61% of them women), accounting for about 1 of every 14 deaths. At all ages, more women than men die of stroke. African Americans are more likely to die of stroke than any other race.

Tips to Reduce Your Risk for Stroke

• Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fact_sheets.htm*
  High blood pressure and cholesterol levels increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. Adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly and their cholesterol levels checked at least every five years.
   
• Be smoke-free.
  http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/how2quit.htm*
  To reduce your risk for lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, and reproductive health problems, don’t smoke or use other tobacco products. Avoid second-hand smoke, which can also increase risk for these diseases and conditions.
   
• Maintain a healthy weight.
  http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/*
  Overweight and obese individuals are at an increased risk for physical ailments, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, coronary heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
   
• Get moving.
  http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/*
  Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week is recommended.
   
• Eat healthy.
  http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition*
  Watch how much you eat, cut down on saturated fats, and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.
   
• See your health care provider.
  Talk with your health care provider if you have a family history of or risk factors for stroke or heart disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a stroke, including: a sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm leg, and/or one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden changes in vision; trouble walking; feeling dizzy or difficulty with balance or coordination; and/or a sudden, severe headache that cannot be easily explained.

Related Links

Biography: Mamie Doud Eisenhower*
http://www.dwightdeisenhower.com/biomde.html (Non-CDC site)

Cholesterol Fact Sheet*
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fs_cholesterol.htm

Deaths: Leading Causes for 2001*
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr52/nvsr52_03.pdf

Eliminate Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease
http://www.cdc.gov/omh/AMH/factsheets/cardio.htm

Heart Disease and Stroke*
http://www.cdc.gov/washington/overview/heartstk.htm

Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/index.htm

High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet*
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fs_bloodpressure.htm

Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke*
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fs_strokesigns.htm

Mamie Doud Eisenhower*
http://eisenhower.archives.gov/mdebio.htm (Non-CDC site)

Mamie Geneva Doud Eisenhower*
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/firstladies/me34.html (Non-CDC site)

Overweight and Obesity: Health Consequences*
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/consequences.htm

Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke: Addressing the Nation’s Leading Killers*
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/aag/aag_cvd.htm

Stroke Fact Sheet*
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/library/fs_stroke.htm

Taking Action Against Secondhand Smoke: An Online Toolkit
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/ETS_Toolkit/

What Are the Risk Factors of Stroke?* http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1060 (Non-CDC site)

Women and Smoking: A Report of the Surgeon General http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/sgr_forwomen/ataglance.htm

*Used as a source for this Web page.