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Can strokes be prevented?
Yes, most strokes can be prevented. In fact, strokes, like
certain other lifestyle diseases, could become relatively uncommon within a generation if people
would begin adopting, early in life, the healthful lifestyle practices already known. Here are
six important
stroke prevention practices:
1. Don't smoke. One out of every six CVA deaths is directly
related to tobacco use.
2. Check blood pressure regularly.
Hypertension
is a silent killer that has no
symptoms, and it can sneak up on the unaware.
3. Reduce salt. Cut it in half! In areas of the world where
salt intake is low, hypertension is virtually unknown. In Japan, where salt intake was
high, stroke was the leading cause of death.
4. Normalize weight. Obesity promotes atherosclerosis,
hypertension, and most diabetes.
5. Eat a simple diet. Eat a diet very low in fat and cholesterol, yet high in fiber.
Experiments have shown that cutting your fat in half, and reducing your cholesterol as much as possible protects
the arterial linings from narrowing and brittleness.
6. Exercise. Do it actively and regularly. Exercise improves
circulation, helps control weight and hypertension from atherosclerosis.
Is there help for people who have had strokes?
Definitely. A stroke prevention lifestyle will also hasten
recovery, as well as help prevent recurrent strokes.
Acute strokes require good nursing care and energetic
and consistent rehabilitation. In selected cases, certain surgical procedures such as endarterectomy
(cleaning out the arteries), may be of value.
Small doses of aspirin have been shown to aid in stroke prevention
in susceptible people, especially people with atrial fibrillation. Remember, however, that
aspirin may also promote bleeding tendencies (hemorrhagic strokes) and aggravate stomach ulcers.
But the best news is that arterial blockages are reversible.
Thickened, narrowed arteries slowly open again when a very low-fat, unrefined vegetarian diet is consistently
followed, along with other health practices. While these studies, so far, center on coronary
arteries, similar results are expected in arteries affecting the brain since the underlying problem
is basically the same.
Everyone is born with soft, flexible, elastic artery walls.
Many populations around the world retain their healthy arteries and low blood pressures throughout
their lifetime. We can, too, if we get serious about pursuing healthful lifestyle practices
before the damage is done.
More: What are the
risks and
warning signs of stroke? Why is
stroke a
stalking crippler?
Practice stroke prevention! Change your bad habits to good!
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