Sunday November 3, 2013 MYT 9:24:24 AM
1. Become more physically active. Exercising helps to lower blood pressure, controls weight, helps create a healthy balance of blood fats, and improves your body’s ability to handle insulin. Aim to do some kind of moderate physical activity for 30 minutes at least five days a week.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, which research has found to reduce the risk of stroke. A high consumption of salt has been linked to high blood pressure, while too much saturated fat can lead to artherosclerosis.
3. Stay a healthy weight. Being overweight is a risk of a stroke.
4. Don’t smoke. Smoking increases your risk of stroke because it causes atherosclerosis and makes the blood more likely to clot.
5. Drink sensibly. Watching your alcohol intake can help you avoid stroke. Avoid heavy drinking, especially drinking large amounts of alcohol at one go, as this can cause blood pressure to soar.
6. Get your blood pressure checked. All adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once every five years (more often if they have high blood pressure), are taking medication or have other underlying conditions.
7. Seek advice from your doctor before taking the contraceptive pill or going for hormone replacement therapy.
Source: NASAM
http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Health/2013/11/03/Tips-to-minimise-the-risk-of-stroke.aspx
