Did you know that strokes are the third leading cause of death in America? In fact, strokes kill more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Strokes can also lead to long-term disability, so it’s important to understand what causes them and warning signs that you may be having one. However, another thing you should be keeping in mind is ways to lower your chances of having one. This article will give you some helpful ways that you can reduce your risk of having a stroke.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits someone can have. It not only causes lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, but it can also cause heart attacks and strokes. If you smoke the risk of having a stroke is two times higher. If you’re a long-term smoker, your risk may increase up to four times higher than for someone who never smoked. Although it is difficult to quit, you can do it with support and hard work. Try talking to your doctor about getting help, as well as to your family and friends.
Exercise Regularly
Many people fail to realize that exercise is one of the best ways you can prevent a stroke from happening. Your brain depends on blood flow for oxygen and glucose, which are the main sources of energy for your body. Increasing your heart rate will help to increase cerebral blood flow, oxygen, and glucose delivery to your brain cells. You should get in the habit of working out on a regular basis. For a general workout that can help keep your brain healthy, try doing cardiovascular exercises. 30 minutes a day for five days a week is typically what doctors recommend.
Lose Weight
Obesity is another dangerous condition that can lead to many serious health problems like cardiovascular disease and stroke. People who are obese have 70% greater risk of having a stroke than people who are at a normal weight. If you are overweight, losing just 10% of your body weight can reduce your risk by up to 15%. Try making small lifestyle changes over time to lose the weight and keep it off. For example, try taking the stairs instead of the escalator or lift weights whenever you can, as well as eat more fruits and veggies instead of calorie-rich foods.
