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Keeping My Mom Safe, Happy, and Healthy

Why Do Strokes Happen And How Do You Prevent Them?

12 April 2016

Lisa Sutton

Strokes are not exactly uncommon among adults. In fact, approximately 800,000 Americans have a stroke every year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A stroke can lead to severe side effects, including vision loss, paralysis, memory loss and speech problems. The idea of suffering a stroke is scary, so it is important to determine if you are at risk or not. Here are some of the most common risk factors for strokes:

Smoking

Smoking tobacco can increase your risk of developing several health conditions, including strokes. Cigarettes do this by increasing clot formation, constricting your blood vessels and increasing blood pressure, according to the Irish Heart Foundation. If you are a smoker, you should make a serious effort to quit this habit. The next time you see your doctor, ask him or her for advice about quitting smoking.

Poor Diet

If you eat a high sodium or cholesterol diet, you are at a greater risk of suffering a stroke. Instead of eating unhealthy foods, like pizza and chips, fill your diet with nutritious foods, such as fish, chicken, whole grain bread, vegetables and fruits.

Stress

Stress does not just affect your mood; it can also increase your risk of having a stroke. If you currently have a lot of stress in your life, you should do your best to reduce it. Whether you meditate or talk to a therapist, controlling your anxiety will improve your mental and physical health.

Certain Health Conditions

Unfortunately, certain diseases can increase your chances of a stroke. For example, if you have heart disease, plaque builds up in your arteries and can prevent blood from reaching your brain. Other conditions that can increase your risk of a stroke include diabetes, sickle cell anemia disease and high cholesterol. 

What Are Some Ways to Prevent a Stroke?

It is important to do all you can to prevent a stroke, especially if you have suffered one in the past. Luckily, making some simple changes to your lifestyle can lower your risk. Here are a few different ways to prevent a stroke:

Exercise: Regular physical activity can do a lot more than give you a trim figure; it can also reduce your risk of suffering a stroke. Exercise lowers yours blood pressure, reduces stress and prevents obesity, which are all risk factors for strokes. Whether you jog or take group fitness classes at your gym, exercising most days of the week can make a big difference. If you are currently recovering from a stroke and working at short term rehabilitation at a place like The Village At Morrisons Cove, ask your doctor what type of exercise program is appropriate. He or she may suggest light-impact activities, such as swimming or walking.

Get Rid of Your Salt Shaker: Extra salt might make your meals tastier, but too much sodium in your diet can increase your chances of having a stroke. That is why you should throw away your salt shaker and flavor your foods with healthier spices, such as sage or ginger.

Don't Stress About the Small Stuff: Stress is a major risk factor for a stroke, so you should not allow small things to cause you anxiety. For instance, don't sweat it if you have a lot of household chores to do after work. Ask one of your family members to help you.

Lose Weight: If you are carrying too much weight on your body, you are more likely to have a stroke. Try to lose weight by reducing the amount of calories you eat and exercising more. You can avoid feeling hungry by eating more wholesome and satisfying foods, such as whole grain bread, quinoa, salmon, apples, oatmeal and eggs. 

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