Few Ways You Can Reduce The Likelihood Of Getting A Stroke!
As we grow older our body becomes susceptible to a greater number of life-threatening diseases, stroke being one of them. Sometimes it runs in the family. Since we are incapable of tampering our genetic tendency, we can maintain a few lifestyle changes to keep stroke at bay.
Knowledge creates awareness, and awareness is what enables us to live a long, healthy life. To uphold this belief and curb the alarming increase in the mortality rate due to stroke, One out of four individual gets diagnosed with a stroke. To save yourself from being the one, here are seven things you need to keep in mind.
- Keep your blood pressure in check:
Medical practitioners observe that high blood pressure is the leading contributor to the risk of stroke attacks. Regularly monitor blood pressure, take essential medication if it gets elevated. Reduce salt intake, and increase the consumption of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in your diet. Robust vascular health is what you should aim for.
- Lose those kilos:
Obesity and the complications associated with it accelerate the chances of succumbing to a stroke. Restrict your daily calorie intake within 1,500 to 2,000. Work with a nutritionist towards a suitable Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Move those bones and muscles:
Motivate yourself with a functional exercise regime. Enrol yourself in a fitness club, play golf, tennis, or any sport. It will not only lessen your chances of stroke but also improve your overall mental health.
- Drink alcohol in moderation:
While one drink per day may be good for your physique, over-drinking or increasing portion sizes will not do you any favours. Also, switch those premium whiskey bottles for a glass of red wine. The resveratrol in red wine is known to tend to the heart and the brain.
- Treat Diabetes:
A high level of sugar in the blood damages blood vessels and creates blood clots resulting in a stroke. Follow a strict diet, take blood sugar medications, and keep an eye on the sugar level.
- Say no to smoking:
Don’t turn a blind eye to “smoking is injurious to health” signs plastered everywhere. Nicotine spurs on plaque build-up in arteries, thickens the blood, facilitates clot formation in the blood. Use nicotine patches, quit-smoking aids, or avail counselling sessions.
- Treat atrial fibrillation:
Atrial fibrillation or irregular heartbeat cause clots that travel to the brain and triggers stroke. If detected medical procedure, surgeries, and systematic check-ups should be rigorously followed.
Protect yourself, your journey towards stroke prevention can start today.