According to a report by the CDC, every 4 minutes, someone dies of a stroke. Of these deaths, estimates are that about 3/4 of strokes happen to people over the age of 65.
So, you may be asking yourself how do you minimize your risk of stroke?
So, you may be asking yourself how do you minimize your risk of stroke?
According to Minna Masor, neurosciences clinical coordinator at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, there are 7 things that you can do to help reduce your chances of having a stroke.
1. Keep track of your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke & one of the most controllable risk factors. Get your blood pressure checked often. Talk to your Dr. to see how you can lower your heart rate through diet & exercise. bit.ly/2yCHE04
2. Keep track of your blood sugar. Diabetes can not only increase your chances of having a stroke, but it often comes with other significant risk factors too. According to NSA, estimates are that diabetes increases your risk of stroke up to 4x. Read more bit.ly/2yCHE04
3. Find out if you have an irregular heartbeat: Having an irregular heartbeat can significantly increase your risk of stroke. If you have this condition, your heart muscle isn’t properly pumping your blood. And this can often lead to blood clotting that can cause a stroke.
4. Quit smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke because it makes your heart work harder. It also increases the likelihood of clots forming, plaque build-up of in your arteries, & blocking blood flow to your brain. Read more here bit.ly/2yCHE04
5. Exercise daily: Exercise has long been known to help fight against heart disease and other heart issues, so toning & strengthening your cardiovascular system will help protect you against stroke. Read more bit.ly/2yCHE04
6. Eat healthily. A recent study conducted at Harvard University reported that eating 5 daily servings of fruits & vegetables can lower your stroke risk by up to 30%. The researchers discovered that citrus fruits & dark green vegetables & cauliflower are beneficial.
