Among retirement-age individuals, the leading cause of long-term disability is stroke. But by living a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent them. Regardless of your family history or age, to lower the risks of stroke, you may need to make some life changes. It will be well worth it.
To help you manage your stroke risk, let’s start implementing some healthier habits. Not sure where to begin? No problem. We’re going to offer some helpful tips to get you going.
Stress Levels – Decrease Them!
Everyone should reduce stress in their life as much as possible, but particularly if you already suffer from high blood pressure. But how can you reduce stress? Check out these suggestions:
- Writing in a journal
- Reduce caffeine
- Try medication or supplements
- Identify how your body responds to stress and watch for signs and symptoms
- Find a support group and join
- Relax through breathing exercises, a long bath, etc.
- See a therapist
- Exercise
Alcohol and Smoking – Cut Back Where You Can, or Quit
We are not telling you that you can’t enjoy a holiday cocktail. But if you consume a lot of alcohol on a regular basis, you’ll want to consider cutting back. There’s no nutritional value in drinks and they’re high in calories, more times than not. Weight gain and high blood pressure don’t go together very well, even though they appear together frequently.
It’s no secret that smoking is unhealthy. Including stroke, a number of health conditions can be triggered by smoking. Today, however, for those who wish to kick the addictive habit, there are numerous options. Talk to someone you know who has already quit or speak to your physician to get some suggestions.
Existing Health Conditions – Manage Them
You can help reduce your risk of stroke by staying as healthy as possible. Whether you have arthritis, diabetes, or some other medical condition, it’s crucial that you follow your physician’s instructions and take your medication as directed.
Vegetables and Fruits – Eat Plenty of Them
You’ve been hearing it your entire life: Eat your fruits and veggies! The thing is, they’re high in fiber and low in fat, which is good. But which ones? Choose those rich in color when opting for vegetables and fruits. Thick spinach, asparagus, and apples. Produce can be paired with low-fat dairy products, lean protein, and whole grains for a well-rounded meal.
Get Some Exercise
This is a good suggestion for people no matter what age and regardless of their existing health. Even if you can’t participate in calisthenics, there are sit-and-be-fit programs that you should be able to take part in, even marginally. If it’s nothing more than a walk or two a day, at your own pace, it’s better than nothing.
Your Sodium Intake Should Be Decreased
You can reduce your sodium intake if you follow these American Heart Association suggestions:
- Take it easy on foods that have been barbecued, smoked, cured, brined, or pickled. A lot of salt is involved in the preparation of these foods. Rather, go with roasting, poaching, grilling, baking, or steaming.
- To offset sodium’s effects, counterbalance your meal with potassium-rich foods. These can include cantaloupe, bananas, tomatoes, greens, and sweet potatoes.
- Discover the use of salt substitutes to boost the flavor of your foods. There is no sodium in garlic, onion, citrus, and other herbs.
- Look at how much sodium is in packaged foods per serving (check the nutrition level) before purchasing.
- At the grocery store, shop for reduced-sodium or low sodium products.
The whole point is to cut back on salt/sodium.
Eat Healthy, Exercise, and More at Discovery Village At Southlake
Check out Discovery Village At Southlake. With each meal prepared from scratch, we provide three meals a day. Do you have special dietary considerations? No problem. We’ve got you covered. But wait, there’s more! With our Dimensions health and fitness program and Celebrations activities and events, you will be able to make new friends and enjoy exercising together.
