Tip of the Day
Change Your Lifestyle to Decrease Your Stroke Risk
Heart disease is America's number one killer, and stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious disability. This month is Stroke Awareness Month, a great time to focus on healthy lifestyle changes to protect your health or the health of those you love.
To lower your chance of having a stroke:
- Prevent and control high blood pressure, diabetes and high blood cholesterol.
- Abstain from tobacco use.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Eat healthy food.
Having a high risk doesn't mean you will have a heart attack or stroke, but changes in your lifestyle and food choices and perhaps weight reduction and medication, will lower your risk. An eating plan that follows the Dietary Guidelines for Americansis a good way to reduce your risk. Your eating plan should include foods low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and sugar, and include foods high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
For more information on how to reduce your stroke risk, consult a registered dietitian and visit our Heart Health and Diet section.
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