Making a few simple changes to your lifestyle can dramatically reduce the likelihood of suffering a stroke. Examples of positive changes include:
- Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese; this will decrease the pressure on your vital organs and help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
- Change your diet: cut down on saturated fats, salty and sugary foods and replace them with fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods. Limit your salt intake and avoid regularly eating foods that are high in cholesterol; these include sausages, cheese, fried food, butter, cream and cakes.
- Eat foods which contain unsaturated fats and omega 3 oils, including nuts, avocadoes and oily fish; these help to lower cholesterol as well as providing a range of other health benefits
- Exercise regularly; this will help to maintain a healthy and stable bodyweight as well as controlling blood pressure and increasing circulation. Experts recommend that adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 times each week.
- Stop smoking: smoking is a risk factor for strokes as it causes the arteries to narrow and become blocked; stopping smoking reduces the risk of suffering from a stroke dramatically
- Cut down on alcohol: this helps to prevent hypertension (high blood pressure)