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The idea of having a stroke can be quite scary, as it can be a life-changing experience. However, sometimes the bad habits and stressful situations that we put ourselves in are inevitable, and they will cause us to have a stroke. Once you experience it for the first time, it is not something that you want to experience again, and it will be quite a motivator to change your life, so what can you do about it?
Healthy foods and drinks
Those who have undergone stroke treatment have probably been told that they need to make a lot of changes to their lifestyle, and the biggest change is usually the one that revolves around nutrition. It is very important to choose which meals you are eating, as having another stroke could potentially be lethal. It is suggested to eat foods that are low in saturated fats and trans fats so the cholesterol levels are not high, and limiting yourself on how much salt you take in order to lower the blood pressure. When both your cholesterol and blood pressure levels are high, the odds of a stroke are increased, so keep in mind what you eat. When it comes to drinks, the best thing is to drink water, as it is the best option.
Eating healthy will reduce the risk of getting a stroke.
Maintain a good healthy weight
It is known that people who happen to be overweight or obese have increased chances to experience a stroke, especially if they had one in the past. That is why having a good weight is important, and if you are not sure what it is, you can easily calculate your BMI (body mass index). Using waist and hip measurements is another way to check how much excess fat you have.
Exercise more often
Getting physical exercise is highly beneficial for your health, especially if you are trying to maintain a healthy weight. The exercise does not have to be anything extreme, as getting about three hours of exercise each week is more than enough. Exercises can come in any form such as running, swimming, martial arts, and other sports. As long as you get your body moving and break a sweat, it is enough.
Avoid smoking
Smoking is quite a bad habit overall, but for those who have experienced a stroke should quit immediately. It heavily increases the risks of having another stroke, and if you are having troubles quitting, you should ask your doctor to help you out.
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Limit alcohol intake
While many would say that drinking alcohol is as bad as smoking, we all know that the effects of alcohol are not as nearly as bad. However, when it comes to getting a stroke, alcohol should be avoided, as it will raise your blood pressure. Drinking a glass or two every week is completely fine, but anything above that will put you at risk.
Control your medical conditions
According to doctors that specialize neurology in Sydney, one of the most important things when it comes to avoiding another stroke is to take care of your other medical conditions as you are instructed. Patients who have some kind of heart disease, high cholesterol or blood pressure, or diabetes are more prone to get a stroke if they are not handling their conditions properly.
Take your medication
It is very important that you take the medication that you are given, and that you do not miss out on a single dose. In case you do miss out, no matter what kind of condition you suffer from, you should not take a double dose to “catch up” to what you forgot to take.
Following the doctor’s instructions is very important, so as long as they are prescribing you medication, you should not stop taking it. Of course, if in the meantime you develop a condition that might interact with the medication you are taking, you should consult with your doctor.
Consult with a doctor
Medication is not the only reason to consult with a doctor. Since they are professionals who handle dozens if not hundreds of cases every day, there is nothing wrong from asking them for some kind of advice. If you are not sure what to do, if you are feeling insecure about something, contact your doctor and ask them a question. There are no bad questions, especially if you already experienced a stroke.
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Final word
Life after a stroke is certainly different, but if you have a positive mindset, you will have an easier time changing your lifestyle in a way that reduces the chances of having a stroke again. Make sure to check your blood pressure daily, and your cholesterol every few months, as they are the best indicators of your health.
