Stroke Prevention 101

In my several years of practice of medicine specifically in the field of neuroscience. A lot of patient had repeatedly asked the question, "How do you prevent a stroke?". Well, the answer is actually very simple. Care to make a guess? Its "LIFESTYLE CHANGE". Its the ultimate key to lower your risk of a stroke.

One of the main culprit here is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help lower your blood pressure and risk of stroke. Here are a few tips to start you off:

Maintain an ideal weight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for stroke. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

Stay active

Physical activity can help you stay at a healthy weight and lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. For adults, the Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, such as a brisk walk, each week. Children and teens should get 1 hour of physical activity every day.

Limited Alcohol

Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women only one.

Healthy Diet

Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you prevent stroke. Eating foods low in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt (sodium) in your diet can also lower your blood pressure.

Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoking greatly increases your chances of having a stroke. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for stroke. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit

Please remember that these are general guidelines only. Don’t be discouraged if your blood pressure doesn’t drop straight away, it may take some time for lifestyle changes to have an effect. If any of your friends or relative do suffer from a stroke; it is highly recommended to bring patient to a neurologist immediately. When it comes to stroke recovery, timing is crucial. #stroke #strokecare #stroketreatment #medicine #cure #rehabilitation #recovery #risk #symptoms #strokedoctor #strokespecialist #neurologist #specialist #winnielimkhoo #tips #advise #diet #exercise #lifestyle #clinic #hospital #health