Reduce your stroke risk
Many risk factors for stroke are treatable, says Larry Goldstein of the Duke University Stroke Center. "If you make these lifestyle changes, you reduce your stroke risk by 85 percent."
- Stop smoking
- Lower your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Manage diabetes
- Don't abuse alcohol
- Maintain proper weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat three to five servings of fruit and vegetables daily
- Reduce daily salt consumption to 1,500 mg
- Have your blood pressure checked regularly
You're at higher risk for stroke if you:
- Are African American
- Are male
- Have a close relative who had a stroke before age 65
- Are older: Stroke risk doubles for every decade after the age of 50
- Have already had a stroke. "You are at 10 times higher risk of having a stroke if you've already had one," says Goldstein.
Beth Levine is a freelance writer who lives in Stamford, Conn.
You may also like: Actor Henry Winkler helps stroke patients. >>
- « Previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
Tell Us WhatYou Think
Please leave your comment below.
You must be signed in to comment.
Sign In | RegisterMore comments »