"How Can I Lower My Risk of a Brain Stroke?"

According to World Health Organization (WHO); In low-and middle-income countries, which include those of the WHO South-East Asia Region, over 11 million strokes occur every year. This causes 4 million deaths annually, and leaves approximately 30% of survivors seriously disabled.

People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes or a high blood-sugar level are vulnerable to brain stroke. So are people that are obese, smoke or consume alcohol in large volumes and are physically inactive. Regular exercise should be undertaken - at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least five times a week.

Most of the lifestyle-related risks can be reduced to prevent brain stroke. People who smoke should quit, and those who drink heavily should cease. These two factors alone significantly multiply the likelihood of stroke.

A diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in salt should be consumed. Doing so will decrease fatty deposits in the arteries that can cause blockages, as well as diminish the prospect of burst vessels that high blood pressure brings.

Identifying stroke’s early warning signs is equally important to prevent disability or death. There are three key signs to watch out for - Is the face drooping on one side? Is there weakness in one arm? Is the speech slurred? If the answer is yes to one or all of the above, the person may be having a stroke and needs urgent medical care.