Strokes are the leading cause of death in the country. Someone has a stroke every forty seconds! Strokes happen when the blood flow to the brain is blocked, and that can cause severe disabilities and, of course, death.
The good news is that although strokes are increasingly prominent, they can be prevented easily. The secret here is to start acting today! Eighty percent of strokes could be prevented by doing these four things. How about we take care of our hearts already? Here’s what you need to know.
Taking Aspirin
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is genuinely remarkable. It will reduce pain, fever and even inflammation, and when it comes to heart health, it acts as a blood thinner. Thinner blood, along with aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties, reduces high blood pressure or hypertension, one of the most significant causes of strokes and heart disease.
If you’re at risk of suffering a stroke because of overweight, clogged arteries or less than adequate physical condition, then half an aspirin a day can go a long way. It comes without saying; you should always talk to your doctor before medicating yourself.
Checking Yourself Regularly
The best way to prevent a stroke is to know the state of your body. Check yourself at least twice a year and take blood tests to determine your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, blood pressure and inflammation markers.
Knowing if you’re at risk allows you to make changes in your lifestyle and potentially save your life. Don’t wait until it’s too late; health exams and tests will surely help you prevent strokes and other heart conditions. Checkups are critical here, so call your doctor today and schedule an appointment.
Eating Better
Do you want to prevent heart disease, start early by eating better? Processed food, red meat, fried food, sweets, salt and lack of vegetables are all part of an unhealthy diet that will cause you trouble in the long run.
Eat fresh produce and avoid all that stuff you already know is not suitable for you. Prevent strokes but also overweight, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer, just by eating right. Changing your eating habits is never easy, and you’ll need a support system, so eat better as a family and keep your loved ones and yourself safe.
Exercising at Least a Little
People that exercise regularly are at less risk of suffering a stroke than those with sedimentary lifestyles. You don’t have to go to the gym every day if you don’t want to, but exercise yourself often.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a great way to start getting back in shape, and so is riding a bike to work. The healthier you are, the less risk of suffering from heart disease. Go swimming, do yoga and dance around in front of the TV; everything helps. Stay active, and you’ll live a longer, better life.
Are You Taking Care of Your Heart?
Of course, no one wants to have a stroke. Still, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the country. And although heart problems are imminent if you’ve never lived healthily, there’s no better time to take care of yourself than today.
Eat better, work out, and stay away from unhealthy habits. Prevent strokes every day of your life, not only when you’re already at high risk. And if you know someone that could benefit from changing their habits, share this information with them. Let’s save lives!