Saturday, October 17, 2009

Health Tips for October 17

Health Tip: Help Prevent Stroke

Whether you've ever had a stroke or not, there are things you can do to minimize your risk.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

  • Keep blood pressure under control with lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medication.
  • Help prevent diabetes by eating a healthy diet, losing extra weight and getting regular exercise.
  • Avoid use of any tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Get treatment for atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Left untreated, the condition can cause clots that can lead to stroke.
  • Help keep your "bad" cholesterol down by eating a diet that's low in saturated fat and high in fiber.

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.

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