5 Easy Lifestyle Changes Recommended by Doctors to Reduce Your Stroke Risk Today

Nearly 900,000 adults in Canada have faced a stroke, a condition that disrupts blood flow in the brain and harms brain cells. June is Stroke Month, a time when the Heart and Stroke Foundation raises awareness about stroke risks and misconceptions.

Many factors such as age, sex, and genetics play a role in stroke risk. However, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your chances of having a stroke. Alarmingly, 70% of Canadians are unaware of these risks. Understanding them is the first step to prevention.

Dr. Nishita Singh, a stroke neurologist at the University of Manitoba, emphasizes that strokes can happen at any age. While most strokes occur in people over 60, younger individuals can be affected too.

How to Lower Your Stroke Risk

To reduce stroke risk, maintaining a healthy heart and brain is crucial. Here are five strategies to consider:

1. Stay Active: Aim for around 10,000 steps a day. If that seems daunting, starting with 2,000 steps works too. Every bit of activity counts. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. Walking can be enough.

2. Quit Smoking: Smoking makes blood cells sticky, which increases clotting risk. It also contributes to artery narrowing, raising the chances of heart disease. If quitting feels overwhelming, take small steps; every little effort helps.

3. Limit Alcohol: According to the World Heart Federation, even moderate drinking can be harmful. Health Canada advises no more than two drinks a week. Studies suggest that abstaining completely offers the best protection against stroke.

4. Eat Well: A healthy diet is key. This means avoiding processed foods, deep-fried meals, and excessive red meat. Instead, focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables. These choices can enhance overall well-being and reduce stroke risk.

5. Start Slow: Making these lifestyle shifts doesn’t have to happen all at once. Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in health.

Recognizing Signs of Stroke

Awareness of stroke symptoms is equally important. Surprisingly, over 30% of Canadians can’t identify any signs of a stroke. The FAST method is a simple way to remember:

• Face: Is it drooping?
• Arms: Can you raise both?
• Speech: Is it slurred?
• Time to call 9-1-1.

The risk of stroke is high, but with knowledge and lifestyle changes, you can significantly decrease your chances. Staying active, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful habits are all steps in the right direction.

For more insights on stroke awareness and prevention, you can read the latest from Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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