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  • A stroke is a serious condition in which one of the arteries that supplies blood to the brain is blocked or an artery within the brain ruptures. Strokes can result in death, paralysis, weakness, speech problems and neurological deficiencies. According to the National Stroke Association, strokes are the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. Luckily there are multiple ways to lower your risk of having a stroke.

    Diet

    Eating the right foods and avoiding certain foods can lower your risk of stroke. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins, as well as foods containing calcium (such as low-fat or nonfat dairy products and green, leafy vegetables) and omega-3 fatty acids (such as salmon and tuna). Avoid foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats and sodium. Avoid alcohol or drink small amounts, which can raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol and can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. This type of diet can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn reduces your risk for stroke. Eating healthy also helps you to maintain a healthy weight, which is another factor in preventing stroke.

    Exercise

    Try to exercise aerobically for 30 minutes every day or as many days of the week as possible. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves circulation. It also can help to get rid of excess weight, reduce stress, raise HDL and lower blood pressure. Aerobic exercises include brisk walking, jogging, tennis, basketball, swimming, stair-climbing and jumping rope. Choose the activity or activities that best suit your environment and your physical abilities. Make sure you warm up and start slowly in order to avoid injury. Always consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. And quit smoking if you are a smoker. Quitting lowers your risk of stroke and will make exercise easier, because your lungs will be able to function more efficiently.

    Medication

    Even with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, some individuals may need medication to lower their risk of stroke. If you're eating and exercising as you should, and your blood pressure and cholesterol levels still aren't what they need to be, your doctor may prescribe medications to help control and lower these factors. Individuals with diabetes also may need medication to control their disease, which in turn can lower risk of stroke. If you have a problem with one or more of these areas, take your medication as prescribed and continue to monitor your levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and/or blood sugar.

    Source:

    National Stroke Association website

    Mayo Clinic website

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