Want to Reduce Your Risk of Having a Stroke? Here's How

Even though it may not be a thought to some, you should never put off trying to prevent medical issues, such as having a stroke, that are a threat to us as we get older. Even if you have had a stroke before, there are steps you can take that can help prevent having another one. 

One of the most important things we can do in preventing stroke is to control our weight. In doing so, we are preventing the risk of other chronic disease, which in turn, helps prevent having a stroke. Having excess pounds on our body strains our entire circulatory system and can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. However, by controlling our weight and losing as little as 5-10 percent of our weight can lower our risk factors for disease. However, once beginning to lose weight, we must keep it off in order to have these long term, preventative benefits. 

Here are some ways that we can reduce our stroke risk and live a healthier life:

• Move More: try to increase activity everyday wherever you can. This could be walking, taking the stairs, or getting up every 30 minutes and taking a few steps while at work.
• Skip the Liquid Calories: this includes things such as soda, alcohol, sport and energy drinks, specialty coffees and fruit juices. When drinking these items, we are consuming a large amount of calories without our body recognizing it because we are not getting the sensation of being "full".
• Eat More Whole Foods: instead of eating processed foods, eating whole foods, like fruits and vegetables provides our bodies with better nutrients that will keep us healthier for longer.
• Find Healthier Snacks: instead of choosing chips, crackers and cookies to snack on, try to add it more fresh vegetables, nuts and nut butters and fruit. 

Ask about our MOG to see how we can help you prevent these long term health issues!