The risk of having a stroke can be further increased by various risk factors. While you cannot control your age, sex, race, or family history, it is important to be aware that these factors could be predisposing you to a stroke. Awareness may encourage you to make lifestyle changes for the risk factors that you can control. Preventing stroke is integral to healthy living, especially if you have experienced a stroke in the past as recurrent strokes are more likely to occur.
5 Tips that can help you to prevent a stroke
2. Quit Smoking
Smoking is a crucial risk factor for stroke. If you smoke, it is important to begin taking steps to quit. Smoking can accelerate blood clot formation by thickening your blood and increasing plaque build-up in your arteries. Smoking aids such as nicotine gum or patches may be able to help you quit. It can take some smokers several tries before they finally quit, so do your best to not get discouraged. Asking a doctor the most appropriate way for you to quit may be beneficial.
3. Lose weight
If you are obese or overweight, taking steps to lower yourself to a healthy weight can decrease your risk of stroke. Maintaining a heavyweight is linked to high blood pressure and diabetes, both stroke risk factors. Even losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds can have a positive impact on lowering your risk of stroke. Speak to a healthcare professional about the best way to lose weight if you have struggled with weight consistently in the past.
5. Take up a healthy diet
Healthy eating can lower your chances of having a stroke by helping you lose weight and lowering cholesterol levels. A healthy diet means avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated and trans fat, and sodium. Consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, one serving of fish two or three times a week, and daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy can help reduce the likelihood of a stroke.
6. Monitor and control cholesterol
Cholesterol or plaque build-up in the arteries can lead to improper blood flow to the brain. If you have high cholesterol, getting it under control can have many health benefits, including decreased risk of stroke. High cholesterol levels can be controlled through healthy eating habits, physical activity, and medications.
Take your brain health into your own hands: small changes can help improve your brain health, step by step. This can and should happen regardless of whether you are predisposed to certain risk factors for stroke or whether they are due to your lifestyle.
Be sure to follow CBC Health’s blog at: https://cbchealth.ch/news-updates/ to stay up to date on topics and news surrounding stroke prevention and recovery.
