YOU can prevent STROKES!

In this month’s newsletter, we learned how to act F.A.S.T. in the case of a stroke. And although it is important to act F.A.S.T., did you know that 80% of strokes are preventable? You can take the following steps to improve your health and help prevent a stroke:

1) Get your blood pressure checked. (High blood pressure is the #1 cause of strokes.)

2) Control your blood pressure if it’s too high (manage stress, no tobacco, etc.)

3) Have regular medical checkups.

4) Maintain a healthy weight.

5) Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoking.

6) Take your medicines appropriately.

7) Talk with your doctor and come up with a plan (aspirin isn’t for everybody, but it can help.)

8) Eat Healthier:

              – Avoid foods high in trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

              – Bake, broil, roast, and boil your foods – don’t fry them.

              – Read nutrition labels.

              – Limit alcoholic drinks to 1 per day for females and 2 per day for males.

              – Eat fruits, veggies, whole-grains, dried peas/beans, pasta, fish, poultry, & lean  meats.

9) Stay active:

              – Check with your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition before beginning.

              – Start slowly and build up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (brisk walking).

              – Or perform 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

              – Or do a combination of the two to improve cardiovascular health.

              – Take small opportunities like using the stairs instead of the elevator or like parking   farther away at the store.

Want to learn even more about how to stay healthy and prevent a stroke? Check out the following link: http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/.