Prevention Of Stroke through healthy lifestyle, Health News, ET HealthWorld

By Dr. Pavan Pai

Stroke cases are rampantly rising all over the country, and it is a debilitating condition. Did you know? A stroke can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle practices. Yes, you will have to opt for a well-balanced diet, exercise daily, avoid smoking and alcohol. Read on to know more about this, and we are sure you will follow all the guidelines suggested by the expert.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, hampering the blood supply to the brain. There is a huge burden of stroke, and it causes the highest morbidity and mortality rates in the patients. A stroke can lead to disability for a lifetime. Nowadays, many youngsters are also getting diagnosed with this fatal condition, and thei r quality of life gets affected. There are many patients who suffer in silence and tend to succumb to this condition owing to the lack of awareness. Are you aware? Your lifestyle plays an important role when it comes to stroke. Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy drinking, diabetes, obesity, illicit drug use, binge drinking, and family history can double on chances of stroke. Remember, it is the need of the hour to embrace a healthy lifestyle, and keep a stroke at bay.

Here, we tell you what measures you can take to prevent a stroke

1. A well-balanced diet: An unhealthy diet can invite a stroke as it can increase the incidences of blood pressure and cholesterol levels that can further lead to a stroke. Thus, you will have to stick to a low-fat, high-fiber diet inclusive of fresh fruit, whole grains, and vegetables on a daily basis. You will have to give up on junk, spicy, oily, and canned food. See to it that you don’t eat sugary foods, desserts, artificial sweeteners, and avoid carbonated drinks. This means you will have to bid adieu to pizza, pasta, cake, pastry, biscuits, namkeens, and candies. Watch your salt intake on a daily basis. Limit your portion size to avoid overeating and weight gain.

2. Physical activity: Do you lead a sedentary lifestyle? Then, it is the right time to get active and stay fit to prevent a stroke. A combination of a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in keeping you away from a stroke. Exercise has many benefits. You will be able to lower blood pressure, stress, and cholesterol levels if you work out on a daily basis. Before initiating any exercise routine, it is imperative to speak to a fitness trainer or an expert. Furthermore, you can do activities as suggested by the trainer.

3. No smoking: Many people smoke owing to stress. But, smoking is harmful as it can narrow the arteries and makes your blood more likely to clot. So, just opt for smoking cessation therapy, and you will be able to take care of your overall well-being.

4. Avoid alcohol: Again, alcohol consumption is also dangerous as it can raise your blood pressure, lead to an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), both of which can cause a stroke. Moreover, alcohol is jam-packed with calories and causes weight gain. So, it is better to give up on it and stay healthy.

5. Control comorbidities: If you are one of them having high diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol then it is time to concentrate on your health, take it seriously and work towards taming these conditions. Monitor your blood pressure or cholesterol levels as suggested by the doctor, and avoid skipping medication.

By Dr. Pavan Pai, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road

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