Tips to Prevent Stroke

by Rhonda

If someone in your family has had a stroke, it puts you at greater risk. My Mother had a stroke and my Father has high blood pressure and diabetes, so I try to stay aware of ways to prevent one from happening. A recent article in Woman’s World gave some tips to avoid this type of occurrence.

• Drinking water throughout the day, at least 5 glasses, will help to keep your blood from forming dangerous clots. According to the article, this will lower your risk of having a stroke by 50%, as compared to those who drink just 2 glasses of water a day.

• Take plenty of vitamin C, or drink at least one glass of orange juice everyday. This will strengthen your cell walls. According to the article, this will lower your risk up to 40%.

• Stay away from excessive sodium to prevent high blood pressure. Limit yourself to 1 teaspoon per day. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. According to this report, your risk of stroke increases 80% by adding just an extra teaspoon.

• Exercise for 30 minutes twice a day. It doesn’t have to be strenuous; turn on the radio and dance around the house. Take a walk around the neighborhood, or if you walk your dog everyday, do it at a faster pace.

• Whole grains such as popcorn will also help to prevent a stroke, thanks to their high content of potassium and magnesium.

It’s amazing how such a few steps can prevent the long road to recovery from a stroke. Today’s affirmation is: My health is in my own hands. Say it 10 times and mean it. Peace-Rhonda