What can I do to reduce my risk of stroke?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You can prevent a brain stroke by being cognizant of relevant lifestyle factors. Below are five steps to avoid stroke.
1. know your five: You can’t go to battle if you don’t know what you’re fighting against. Learn your numbers (blood pressure, waist size, weight, cholesterol and fasting blood sugar) so you can focus on remedying the factors that put you at risk for stroke and other illnesses.
2. do cardio exercise: You don’t have to run a marathon – every little bit of cardiovascular exercise helps. Little things like taking the stairs or parking in the furthest away parking spot can add up to reduce your blood pressure.
3. lose the belly fat: Keep your waist size less than half of your height.
4. eat right: Make sure that your diet includes leafy, green vegetables and colorful fruits. Avoid processed meats like ham, bacon and sausage that contain high amounts of fat and nitrates.
5. monitor your medications: Birth control pills can increase your blood’s ability to clot. Hormone replacement therapy combined with other factors can also put you at risk. Speak to your doctor to make sure your medicines are safe for you.You can prevent a brain stroke by being cognizant of relevant lifestyle factors. Below are five steps to avoid stroke. 1. know your five: You can’t go to battle if you don’t know what you’re fighting against. Learn your... More -
Dr. Steven Meyers of NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Several conditions have been found that increase a person's risk of stroke. Some of these risk factors cannot be treated such as age and family history. However, many risk factors can be treated. The major risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, diabetes, and smoking. Keeping these conditions under control with a combination of diet, exercise, and medications prescribed by your doctor can significantly lower one's risk of stroke.Several conditions have been found that increase a person's risk of stroke. Some of these risk factors cannot be treated such as age and family history. However, many risk factors can be treated. The major risk factors for stroke include high blood... More -
Joane Goodroe answered:The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, recommends ways to reduce the threat of strokes:
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
Among the actions available today to reduce stroke and heart attacks:
- Aspirin for people at risk (check with your physician)
- Blood pressure control
- Cholesterol management
- Smoking cessation
The Centers for Disease Control, CDC, recommends ways to reduce the threat of strokes: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the... More -
RealAge answered:A healthy diet is just one part of the protect-your-brain-from-stroke equation. Follow these other noggin-protective steps, too:
- Watch your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke.
- Kick the habit. Like lovers who can't bear to part, smoking and the risk of stroke go hand in hand.
- Resist gravity. The kind that keeps your butt glued to the couch. Just three short bouts of easy exercise a week could help stymie strokes.
- Drop a few. Shedding those excess pounds can also shed your risk for stroke. In fact, weight loss is one of five healthful habits that can lower stroke risk by a whopping 80 percent.
A healthy diet is just one part of the protect-your-brain-from-stroke equation. Follow these other noggin-protective steps, too: Watch your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. Kick the habit. Like lovers who... More
