How Seniors Can Reduce The Risk of Stroke
Nearly a million people suffer a stroke every year in the United States. There are a number of risk factors for stroke that are uncontrollable, including age and a family history of stroke. There are other risk factors that we can control to avoid this devastating health issue. Because the majority of strokes are preventable, according to the American Stroke Association, Brookfield Assisted Living provides these prevention tips to help protect seniors from this number-four killer and cause of long-term disability.
Controllable Stroke Risk Factors and Prevention Tips
Watch your blood pressure. Keep your numbers within healthy levels. High blood pressure is the greatest contributor to the risk of stroke in both men and women. Ask your doctor about medications to lower blood pressure.
Lose weight. Being overweight raises the risk of stroke.
Eat a healthy diet. Build your meals around lean meats, whole grains, veggies, fruits and low-fat dairy products. Include beans, seeds and nuts, and eat colorful foods for the best range of nutrients. Serve up smaller portions, lower your salt intake and drink plenty of water.
Get active. Take a daily walk with friends, or join a fitness club. Start a water aerobics class. Moderate exercise for thirty minutes a day, five days a week, will help with weight loss and lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of stroke.
Ask your doctor about taking a baby aspirin daily, and include a daily vitamin and mineral supplement.
Control diabetes, atrial fibrillation and high cholesterol levels with medication and diet under your doctor’s care.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol use.
Take advantage of health screenings to monitor and prevent your risk of stroke.
Use these prevention tips to begin or continue protecting yourself from the risk factors of stroke. One step at a time brings healthy lifestyle changes that can help us live free of many age-related diseases including stroke, heart disease, dementia and even certain cancers. Healthy living provides the foundation for life at its best. Brookfield Assisted Living in Arkansas encourages you to enjoy living! We help seniors continue to live social, independent lives in privacy, freedom and peace of mind while receiving support care services. Contact us today at www.brookfieldseniors.com for more information and your personal tour.