Screen Reader Accessible "7 Ways to Prevent Stroke"
Maintain a blood pressure of less than 130/80.
- Avoid high cholesterol foods.
- Reduce your sodium intake; aim for 1,500mg a day.
Lose weight and keep your body mass index (BMI) below 25.
- Increase exercise with fun activities like playing tennis and make them part of your daily life.
- Limit calories to 1,500-2,000 a day (depending on activity level and BMI).
- Eat 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily, 1 serving of fish 2-3 times/week, and several daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy.
Exercise moderately at least five days a week.
- Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day.
- When exercising, reach a level at which you're breathing hard but can still talk.
- Opt for the stairs instead of an elevator when possible.
Limit your alcohol intake.
- Drink in moderation—have no more than one glass of alcohol a day.
- Make red wine your first choice; it contains resveratrol, which may help protect the heart and brain.
Treat an irregular heartbeat.
- Visit your doctor if you have symptoms such as heart palpitations or shortness of breath.
- Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Care for diabetes.
- Monitor your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
- Use diet, exercise, and medication to keep your blood sugar within the recommended range.
Quit smoking.
- Ask your doctor for the most appropriate way for you to quit.
- Take advantage of the many aids available (e.g., nicotine patches, counseling, medication), and don’t give up—each attempt brings you closer to beating the habit!