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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

    7 Tips for Avoiding a Stroke

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    Strokes are the fifth most prevalent cause of death in the United States and the second most common cause of disability. A stroke immediately occurs when a blood clot obstructs or ruptures a circulating artery providing oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not get the necessary blood it needs, and cells promptly die.

    There are three types of strokes. They are ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic strokes. According to the American Stroke Association, ischemic strokes make up 87% of stroke cases. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked.

    A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weak blood artery bursts. Aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations are two types of compromised blood arteries that commonly result in hemorrhagic stroke. Transient ischemic strokes happen when a brief clot forms in the brain.

    Living a healthy lifestyle impacts your overall health. It can also help you prevent a stroke and its potential long-lasting effects on your life and family.

    1. Know Your Risk

    As you age, it is crucial to be conscious of stroke risk, mainly if you are between 40 to 75 years old. Smoking, renal problems, and a family history of early heart disease can all increase your risk. Knowing your risk factors can aid you and your medical team in determining the best treatment option. With lifestyle adjustments, several risk factors can be reduced.

    2. Eat a Well Balanced and Healthy Diet

    Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is a must. Include vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, lean animal proteins, and fish in your diet.

    Limit refined carbohydrates, processed meats, and sweetened beverages to make informed choices. Reduce sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats, and avoid trans fats by reading the nutrition facts label on packaged items.

    3. Exercise Regularly

    One of the best strategies to keep healthy, avoid sickness, and age gracefully is to move more. Aim to do some form of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. In addition, aim to participate in 75 minutes or more of strenuous activity. If you’re already active, you can amp up your efforts to reap even more rewards. Start by sitting less and moving more if you’re not currently active.

    4. Lose Weight

    Be mindful of your weight if you want to reduce your risk of having a stroke. Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. You can lose weight by reducing your calorie intake and increasing your physical activity. Discuss a weight loss strategy with your medical team if you require assistance.

    5. Don’t Smoke

    Smoking, vaping, or other tobacco products are known to increase your risk of stroke. Tobacco products are never safe. If quitting smoking or using tobacco is a struggle, consult your doctor or other medical professionals. Avoid secondhand smoke too.

    6. Take Your Medicine

    Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe you medication so that you can deal with medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or hypertension. Take all medications as directed. Never abruptly stop taking your prescribed medication. Develop a plan with your doctor to stop taking your medicine if it is no longer needed,

    7. Be Proactive about Your Health

    Your medical team can help you live a longer, healthier life by lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke. Work with your medical team to develop a preventative strategy. Ask questions and be honest about any difficulties you face in making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Stress, sleep, mental health, family issues, tobacco usage, food access, social support, and other factors can all impact your health and happiness.

    Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by making healthy lifestyle changes and working with health care providers to reduce stroke risk factors. Everyone can make these changes, no matter how old they are or how many health problems they have. Prevention is always better than treatment, so take action today to protect your brain from stroke.

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