Healthy Living Habits to Prevent Stroke for Seniors

Fri, Jul 23, 2021 8:25 PM Medicare

Healthy Living Habits to Prevent Stroke for Seniors: Strokes are the greatest cause of long-term disability in seniors, but they can be avoided in the majority of cases by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, regardless of your age or family history, you can begin working toward a healthy you now and minimize your risk of stroke. In this article, we'll go over several healthy practices you may start doing right now to reduce your stroke risk.

 

Lower Your Stress Levels

 

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your physical health. You may have headaches, have trouble sleeping, or have digestive problems. Stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes over time. As a result, lowering your stress levels can be incredibly advantageous to your overall health, as well as preventing a stroke.

 

Here Are Some Stress Reduction and Relaxation Tips:

• Make goals that are healthy and achievable.

• Pay close attention to how your body reacts to stress.

• Experiment with vitamins or medications.

• Limit your caffeine intake.

• Workout

• Consult a therapist

• Do something to unwind

• Be a part of a support group

 

Reduce Your Sodium Consumption

 

High blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke can all be caused by eating too much salt. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke because it damages blood vessels over time, increasing the likelihood of a brain blood artery bursting and causing a stroke.

 

Here are several recommendations for lowering salt levels:

 

• Herbs, citrus, onion, garlic, and non-sodium seasonings can be used to replace salt in recipes.

• To counteract the effects of sodium, include potassium-rich items in your meal. Sweet potatoes, greens, tomatoes, bananas, and cantaloupe are all high in potassium.

• Foods that have been pickled, brined, cured, smoked, or barbecued should be avoided. These methods of food preparation frequently use a lot of salt. Instead, steam, bake, grill, poach, or roast your food.

• Reduce the quantity of salt in your meals and keep track of your portion amounts.

• At the grocery store, look for products labeled "low sodium" or "reduced sodium."

• Check the sodium content of pre-packaged items by reading the nutrition labels.

 

 

Related Topic: Safety And Heat Awareness for Seniors

 

Include Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Your Diet

 

Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables can aid in the maintenance of a healthy diet. Fresh produce is high in fiber and low in fat. Choose colorful fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, when you're shopping. These are usually more nutrient-dense. For a well-rounded dinner, combine your veggies with whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products.

Some stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol, can be managed by following a nutritious diet.

 

 

Get Some Excercise

 

High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol are all stroke risk factors that can be mitigated with regular exercise. 5 times a week, try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity. Moderate exercises should raise your heart rate and force you to take deep breaths. If you can't commit to 30 minutes of exercise at once, split it up into 15-minute or even 10-minute bouts throughout the day.

Naturally, if you have a medical issue that prevents you from exercising regularly, talk to your doctor about what you can do to be active.

 

Also Read: Tips for Seniors for Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

 

Quit Smoking

 

Take steps to quit smoking if you do so now. Smoking can cause a variety of health problems, including stroke. Smoking causes your blood to thicken and plaque to build up in your arteries, increasing the chance of a blood clot obstructing blood flow to your brain.

Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to assist you in breaking this habit. Begin by consulting with your doctor to determine the best method for quitting smoking for you. To help you lessen the urge to smoke, you may choose to utilize patches or other aids. A support group might also provide you with the inspiration you require to quit smoking for good. Whatever you do, stay focused on your objective of quitting smoking, and don't give up!

If you don't smoke, stay away from secondhand smoke, which can be harmful to your health. Encourage loved ones to give up smoking and avoid situations where there is a lot of secondhand smoke.

 

 

 

Also Read: What Does Medicare Cover After A Stroke?

 

Manage Your Pre-Existing Health Problems

 

Another thing you can do to stay healthy and avoid stroke is to take care of any existing health problems. Follow your doctor's instructions and take your prescription meds exactly as prescribed. Keeping your body as healthy as possible will help you lower your risk of stroke, whether you have diabetes or arthritis. Learn More: Tips on How to Manage Arthritis for Seniors

Make sure you have your physicals on a regular basis. Some health disorders that can increase your stroke risk, such as atrial fibrillation, can only be detected by a doctor.

Discuss your specific health status with your doctor, and work together to address symptoms caused by underlying illnesses. If you develop new symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible so that you can properly manage your health.

 

Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption

 

Drinking too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure or even atrial fibrillation, both of which are stroke risk factors. Furthermore, alcoholic beverages are frequently heavy in calories and low in nutritional content, which may contribute to weight gain.

Of course, you don't have to give up alcohol completely; simply limit your consumption to one drink each day. Remember that different types of drinks contain different amounts of alcohol, so keep your servings in check when ordering a drink.

 

 

 

 

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