How to stay away from brain stroke?

  Photo by Anna Shvets

Brain strokes are serious medical events that occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This lack of blood flow can lead to damage or death of brain cells, which can result in long-term disability or even death. However, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of having a stroke.

1. Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and to take steps to control it if it is high. This might include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking medication if prescribed by a doctor.

2. Manage your diabetes: Diabetes is another major risk factor for stroke. If you have diabetes, it is important to keep your blood sugar levels under control by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking any medication prescribed by your doctor.

3. Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. If you smoke, it is important to quit as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to quit smoking and offer you support.

4. Keep your heart healthy: A healthy heart is less likely to develop conditions that can lead to stroke. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

5. Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of stroke. It is also important to limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.

6. Keep physically active: Regular physical activity can help lower your risk of stroke by improving blood flow and maintaining a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, or a combination of both, plus muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days a week.

7. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of stroke. It's recommended for men to have no more than 14 units a week, spread evenly over 3 days or more, and no regular drinking to the point of getting drunk. Women should have no more than 14 units a week and should also avoid regular drinking to the point of getting drunk.

8. Reduce your stress: Stress can increase your risk of stroke by causing your blood vessels to constrict. To reduce your stress, try techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke. However, it is important to remember that no one can completely eliminate their risk of stroke. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of stroke and to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke.

It is also worth reminding that following a healthy lifestyle and having regular checkups with a doctor are important ways to catch any health conditions early and to prevent and treat them if possible.