5 Simple Rules to Prevent a Stroke And Save Your Life

Strokes are one of the leading causes of serious, long-term disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the US.

SIGNS OF A STROKE

Although signs and symptoms of a stroke may be different with each case and person, the most common symptoms can be easily remembered as FAST. The sooner you call 911, the higher chance you or someone else has of surviving a stroke.

F – Face drooping.

A – Arms weaken.

S – Speech difficulty.

T – Time to act fast and call 911.

HOW TO PREVENT A STROKE

80% of strokes can be prevented. By taking precautions and controlling the risk factors, you can control your health and lower the risk of long-term disability caused by a stroke.

1. QUIT SMOKING

Smokers double their chance of having an ischemic stroke, which is an narrowing or blocking of arteries to the brain.

One 2008 study looked at women between the ages of 15-49 and found a direct relationship to the number of cigarettes smoked in a day and the risk of having an ischemic stroke. The more a woman smoked, the higher her risk of stroke became.

It’s hard to quit smoking, but there are professionals to help. Small changes in your dietcan also help you kick the habit. Just remember that quitting smoking won’t only lower your chance of having stroke, but also dramatically improve your overall health and reduce risk of serious disease.

2. LIMIT YOUR DRINKING

Heavy drinking is linked to stroke risk, therefore you should try to limit the amount of alcohol you consume. A healthy dose of alcohol is recommended to be about 2 pints of beer a day for men and ½ pint for women. Replace a pint with a glass of wine, and the doses will be the same.

3. CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE

Those with uncontrolled blood pressure are 4 times more likely to suffer a deadly stroke, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Because high blood pressure is not easy to spot, most people tend to not treat it. But the American Heart Association says that only 45% of those with high blood pressure actually have it under control.

See your doctor for regular checkups and prevent high blood pressure naturally by stocking your kitchen with foods and spices known to combat high blood pressure.

4. IMPROVE CHOLESTEROL

Since stroke is caused by blocked blood flow to the brain, it only seems natural to control your cholesterol and promote healthy blood flow.

High cholesterol increases risk of ischemic stroke, whereas high density lipoproteins actually protect against heart attacks and stroke.

Eating healthy and regularly exercising can help control your cholesterol.

5. MANAGE YOUR DIABETES

Many studies have proven people with diabetes have a higher risk of stroke. Due to the high levels of glucose increasing the buildup of fatty deposits, blood vessels are easier blocked.

Manage your diabetes by eating healthy and regularly exercising. Some foods, such as grapefruit, have been shown to be a great food to fight diabetes.