Prevent Stroke: 5 Simple Lifestyle Changes for Your Parents That Will Make a Big Difference | Health

Certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and lack of exercise can increase your susceptibility to a stroke. Do you want to know what you can do to prevent this? Don’t sweat it, because we’ve brought on board an expert to tell you the important steps you should take to reduce your risk of a stroke.

Strokes could cause 10 million deaths in lower middle-income countries, including India, by 2050, a study in the medical journal Lancet, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), warned. According to the report, the number of stroke-related deaths is expected to rise from 6.6 million in 2020 to a staggering 9.7 million in 2050.

It is also revealed that India reports the highest incidence and prevalence of stroke cases with 1.29 million new cases and 9.65 million existing cases, followed by Indonesia and Bangladesh. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Nirmal Surya, consultant neurophysicist and president of the ISA (Indian Stroke Association): “A stroke is an emergency that can affect anyone and has long-lasting effects on well-being.” A stroke usually occurs when blood flow to certain parts of the brain is interrupted or is stopped. It can happen to anyone at any time. This can further increase the risk of severe brain damage and serious health complications.”

According to Dr. According to Nirmal Surya, several risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, moderate alcohol consumption, high cholesterol and people who consume nicotine in any form such as smoking or chewing tobacco are at higher risk than those who do not. I don’t have these comorbidities. Dr. Nirmal Surya explained, “Therefore, it is important to exercise extreme caution and follow necessary precautions to improve your health.” Identifying and understanding these risk factors early can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their health . Incorporating simple lifestyle changes can effectively reduce the risk of stroke.”

Dr. Nirmal Surya talked about lifestyle changes to reduce stroke risk and suggested:

1. Control your blood pressure:

If you suffer from blood pressure problems such as hypertension, you should be careful. High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for stroke in many people. Keep your blood pressure under control by monitoring it regularly. Strictly avoid foods high in sodium, such as packaged foods or junk foods.

2. Quit nicotine in any form through smoking and chewing tobacco:

Unhealthy habits like smoking can significantly affect your risk of stroke. It can negatively damage your blood vessels and lead to excessive plaque buildup in the arteries. Quitting smoking can help reduce your risk of stroke later in life. Consult a doctor or specialist to begin your smoking cessation journey for this healthy transformation.

3. Control your diabetes:

Health conditions such as diabetes can lead to various health complications including stroke. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your sugar levels within a healthy range. Make sure you regularly and strictly take the medications prescribed by your doctor. Other lifestyle changes such as balanced meals and physical activity can help manage your diabetes.

4. Eat Healthy:

Including healthy and balanced meals that contain sufficient nutrients can help prevent strokes. Make sure your diet contains plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds and lean proteins for effective results. Avoid consuming foods that contain excessive amounts of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. All of these ingredients can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

5. Exercise Regularly:

Physical activity is important for maintaining your overall health and optimal weight while reducing your risk of stroke. Individuals should exercise at least 45 minutes daily. These include walking, going to the gym, cardio, yoga, meditation, cycling, jogging and swimming. Stay vigilant by following these foolproof measures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any questions about a medical condition, always seek advice from your doctor.