Prevention
‘Prevention is better than cure’. It’s better to follow simple measures that might protect us from the risk of getting stroke. Strokes actually kills an individual as it leaves long lasting impact on the body and life of the affected and people around. The stroke affected person might get completely cured, but it is very difficult to restore life back to normal. So why neglect simple preventive measures that can prevent such major setbacks to our health!
There are many things one can do to be healthy and reduce risk of stroke.
- Seek preventive medical care on a regular basis.
- After crossing the age bracket of 30 years, visit your doctor regularly and monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- If you are suffering from diabetes, make sure you do a dip-stick test on a monthly basis to keep a check on your blood sugar levels.
- Take all your medications as directed by your consulting doctor.
Here are some lifestyle modifications for stroke prevention:
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- Quit smoking completely
- Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis. The most important risk-reducing factor is keeping your blood pressure below 130/ 80.
- Try to minimize stress levels by practicing yoga, meditation or dance.
- Avoid high amount of salt intake in your food.
- Drink moderately - reduce consumption of alcohol.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid the intake of sedative drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin
- Control your weight and keep a check on it.
- Eat small portions at equal intervals
- Moderate your consumption of salt and sugar
- Try to control your urges for junk food and fried stuffs
- Eat sufficient amounts of fresh fruits and green vegetables and avoid diet rich in fats
- Exercise regularly as it helps in controlling the blood pressure and increases the endurance capacity of the heart.
- Eat plenty of carrots, yellow-colored vegetables and fruits, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, papayas, mangoes and melon.
