A stroke can have a severe impact on a person’s life, rendering them unable to move, talk, or even feed themselves. Strokes can range from being very minor to being extremely traumatic; regardless of their severity, they are always disruptive and potentially life-threatening. As we age, and especially if a stroke runs in our family, it is crucial that we take every precaution to reduce our risk of suffering one. Take a look at these safety measures to help lessen your exposure.
Lower Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the main reason why people have strokes. If you don’t control it, it can make your risk four times as high. So, it’s important to keep an eye on your blood pressure and make sure it stays in a safe range. If it is high, you must do everything you can to bring it down.
There are many ways to lower your blood pressure, such as giving up smoking, eating less salt, avoiding foods high in cholesterol, and taking medication as your doctor tells you to.
Obesity and its side effects, like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, can also make you more likely to have a stroke. Every pound you can lose makes it less likely that you will have a stroke. Ten pounds lost makes a big difference. To keep a healthy weight, you shouldn’t eat more than 2,000 calories a day, and you should exercise regularly.
Exercise not only aids in weight loss but also promotes overall fitness and health by strengthening muscles and improving cardiovascular function so that your heart and other vital organs can continue to do their jobs and circulate blood as they should. Going to a cost-effective gym like Fitness 19 can be an ideal way to exercise. There are other options, too; a brisk walk around the block will do the trick, for example. You’ll be able to take on more difficult tasks as your self-assurance grows, but it’s better to take things slowly at first, so your body can adjust to the new routine. Doing 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day is highly beneficial.
Drink In Moderation
Studies show that having one drink of alcohol a day could make you less likely to have a stroke. But it’s important to know that if you regularly drink more than one, your risk of having a stroke can go up.
If you do want that one glass of alcohol, red wine is the best choice because it has a chemical called resveratrol in it that protects the brain and heart.
High blood sugar is a problem for people with diabetes because it makes them more likely to have a stroke. This is because high blood sugar damages blood vessels, which makes clots more likely. So, your goal is to make sure your blood sugar stays in the right range. If you have been told you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar levels are checked often to see what is going on. You can keep good levels with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication.