8 health tips to prevent strokes

According to WHO data, an estimated 17 million people die of Cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks and strokes, every year. And for someone who has already suffered a stroke, it is extremely important to make sure that another one does not strike. For this, one needs more than a doctor’s help. There is a need to adopt a healthier lifestyle that helps in preventing stroke. Worldwide, 3 million women and 2.5 million men die of stroke every year. It is the leading cause of death above the age of 60 years, and the fifth leading cause in people aged 15 to 59 years. Stroke generally occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts. Studies have shown that high stress jobs have been directly linked to raising stroke risks. High stress jobs also foster unhealthy behaviours such as smoking, drinking, reduced physical activity, poor eating habits – all of which contribute to increasing stroke risk. Inculcating some healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing stroke risks. Some tips that should be followed are: 1. Keep your blood pressure and sugar in check. High BP exerts pressure on the arteries causing them to burst and cause a stroke. Diabetes is again very harmful for the arteries. 2. Keep your weight and BMI in control and ensure your weight is not higher than 10% above the ideal weight. 3. Quitting Smoking goes a long way in preventing a second stroke. Cigarette smoking is one of the biggest contributing risk factor in stroke. 4. Limit Alcohol intake as excessive alcohol consumption can increase risk of stroke exponentially. Excessive drink can increase your blood pressure