Health Tips: Simple Steps To Avoid Stroke

Forum 8 years ago

Health Tips: Simple Steps To Avoid Stroke

Stroke, also well-known as cerebrovascular accident (C.V.A) , cerebrovascular insult (C.V.I), or brain attack [which means damage to the blood vessels in the brain ] occurs when there is reduced blood circulation to the brain which eventually leads to cell death of the brain cells called neurons.

Stroke can be classified into two main classes which largely depends on the cause of the blood shortage which are:

1. Ischemic Stroke: This is a stroke that occurs due to lack of blood flow and

2. Haemorrhagic Stroke: which happens due to bleeding in the blood vessels of the brain.

At this very juncture it is important we state some some symptoms that this condition may present so as to stand as warning signs, which may may include;

*. Loss of movement or feeling on one side of the body.

*.Face looking uneven

*.Difficulty in speaking or understanding.

*.Feeling like the world is spinning, or

*. One sided vision loss among others.

It is important to state that the part [either left or right] of the brain affected determines which part of the body involved for instance if the left part of the brain is affected, the effect is seen on the right side of the body and vice versa. Long term complications may include pneumonia or loss of bladder control. The main risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure, therefore if you must beat stroke, you must watch to beat high blood pressure.

Some people are more at risk of having a stroke than others. Risk is related to genetics, age and lifestyle. By changing your lifestyle, especially if there is a family history, you can reduce your risk of a stroke.Read on and beat stroke;

*.Check and manage your blood pressure
Untreated high blood pressure (hypertension) is the biggest single risk factor. Have your blood pressure checked by your family doctor who should also check other factors including your cholesterol, weight and your risk of diabetes.

If your blood pressure is above normal levels, your doctor will advise lifestyle changes and possibly medication. Always follow this advice. Medications for blood pressure is usually for life. Peradventure yours is still within normal range do all that is humanly possible to make it remain
so.


*. Be more active


Aim to include at least 30 minutes of activity most days. Find something you enjoy. A great way is to increase your activity is to build it into your everyday life such as walking to work or taking the stairs more often, generally by leaving your comfort zone once a while. This exercises your heart, lungs and muscles helping them to be more healthy and function adequately.


*.Stop smoking

Smoking doubles your risk of stroke. If you smoke, you should stop as the fumes from the substance being smoked get deposited on the wall of the blood vessels causing such to lose its elasticity and also to become very thickened, these two changes impairs the normal functioning of the vessel as it constricted and can’t expand as it should going all the way to precipitate high blood pressure.


*.Have a healthy diet



Follow the Food Pyramid guidelines. Eat healthy portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Eat more high fibre foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals. Eat less fatty foods, especially foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meat, confectioneries, chocolate and snack foods. This helps you to stay off the risk of developing high blood pressure, hence stroke.

*.Drink less alcohol

If you drink, keep within the recommended limits. Men should drink no more than 2-3 standard drinks per session and women no more than 1-2 standard drinks. Spread your drinking over the week and keep some days alcohol-free for the sake of your heart.


*.Eat less salt

Too much salt increases blood pressure. Most of us eat more salt than our bodies need. Try eating more fresh foods and less salty foods, ready meals, fast food and snacks. Try pepper, herbs and spices instead of salt to flavour your food.

*.Take time out for yourself

Learning to relax and enjoy your life will help you cope with stress and can benefit you and your body in many ways. If you feel under stress most of the time talk to your doctor or a friend.
With all the above stated steps we can crush the spine of stroke and stay free of this deadly condition.