by Freda Coetzee
How To Prevent A Stroke
There’s lots you can do to avoid suffering from a stroke The question of what you can do to prevent a stroke should be regularly asked, especially as you get older. Preventing a stroke should also be taken seriously if you have close family members that may have suffered from one. Whilst your family health history cannot be reversed, there are still things you can do that can considerably improve your chances of not suffering a stroke. Signs of a stroke Weakness on one side of the body Numbness of the face Unusual or severe headaches Vision loss Numbness and tingling Unsteadiness when trying to walk or stand How to prevent your chances of experiencing a stroke 1. Lower your blood pressure High blood pressure is a huge contributing factor, doubling or even quadrupling your chance of a stroke. Monitoring your blood pressure is extremely important. If you suffer from elevated blood pressure, having the problem treated is the biggest favour you can do to improve your vascular health. Keeping your blood pressure below 120/80 is the ideal goal but some practitioners will suggest that it is too low and will suggest that it not be any higher than 140/90. Learn how to manage high blood pressure naturally… 2. Prevent the damage of chronic inflammation Research has shown that chronic, low-grade inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and other medical conditions. The best way to reduce chronic inflammation is by: Reducing your salt intake Minimizing high-cholesterol foods Eating four to five cups of fruit or vegetables daily Eating two to three servings of fish weekly Daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy 30 minutes or more of daily exercise Stop smoking 3. Lose weight Being overweight and the many complications that may arise due to obesity such as high blood pressure and diabetes, increase your odds of suffering a stroke. Consulting your medical practitioner is the best way to approach your weight loss strategy as they will have all the relevant information regarding your medical record and can best guide you along your weight loss journey. How to achieve your weight loss goals: Try to minimize your calorie intake to 1500-2000 calories depending on your activity levels and body mass index (BMI). Increase your activity levels and try to make exercise part of your daily routine. Exercise will contribute to weight loss and reduce your blood pressure. Exercising at a moderate intensity level for at least five days a week is recommended. Read about 10 trusted ways to lose weight… 4. Drink alcohol in moderation Drinking alcohol in small quantities is a perfectly acceptable practice. Increasing the amount to more than two glasses can dramatically increase your risk of stroke. Red wine should be your first choice of alcohol. Some studies have shown a decrease in heart disease and stroke in individuals who drink red wine moderately. 5. Treat atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. The clots may then migrate to the brain through the bloodstream and cause a stroke. Atrial fibrillation can increase your chance of suffering a stroke fivefold. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath are signs that you might be suffering from atrial fibrillation. It is advised to see your doctor if you may be experiencing any of these symptoms and blood thinners may need to be prescribed by your doctor to deal with the problem. 6. Manage high blood sugar levels One of the causes of diabetes is high blood sugar levels, over time this leads to the damaging of your blood vessels, increasing the possibility of clot formation. It is very important then to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Diet, exercise, and medication can all assist in keeping your blood sugar levels within their recommended range. Manage blood sugar levels with these 6 easy steps… 7. Quit smoking Smoking speeds up clot formation in various ways. It thickens your blood and increases plaque build-up in your arteries. Speak to your doctor regarding the best way for you to stop smoking. Quitting to smoke will reduce your risk of stroke dramatically. Nicotine patches as well as nicotine gum may prove to be helpful, and prescribed medication or counseling may also prove to be effective. Takeaway Although your family history plays a role in your chances of suffering from a stroke, there are many things you can do to prevent it. Losing weight, managing your blood sugar levels, and quitting smoking are not just beneficial for preventing a stroke but will also improve your overall health dramatically.
