Health Tips for February 10

Health Tip: Control Risk Factors for Stroke

Among the best ways to protect yourself if you're at risk for stroke is to treat and manage related health problems.

While some risk factors are beyond your control, the American Heart Association says certain risk factors are manageable. Among them:

• Artery conditions, such as atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm.
• Obesity.
• Poor diet.
• Inactivity.

Health Tip: Unexplained Swelling

If you have swelling of the ankles, legs or feet, the cause isn't always obvious.

Here, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, are some common causes of unusual swelling in these areas:

• Standing up for long periods.
• A side effect of your menstrual period.
• Being overweight.
• Being pregnant.
• Prolonged plane or car travel.
• An injury to the foot or ankle.
• Certain medications.

Swelling in the legs may also indicate serious conditions including failure of the heart, kidneys, or liver. So if you have unexplained swelling, see your doctor without delay.