Top 7 Tips to Prevent Stroke

To help prevent a stroke, you must take steps to reduce your risk. Many risk factors can be controlled, and although the risk of stroke is never zero at any age, by starting early and controlling your risk factors, you can lower your risk of death or disability by stroke.

1. Eat a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet
   
   A balanced diet with less than 30 percent of calories from fat reduces your risk of coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
   
   
2. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables
   
   Research shows that for every three servings of fruits and vegetables daily, middle-aged men may be able to reduce their risk of stroke by 22 percent.
   
   
3. Exercise
   
   A regular program of aerobic exercise helps to reduce your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease. It also can help keep off excess pounds that may contribute to stroke risk.
   
   
4. Control diabetes
   
   If you have diabetes, treating this disease can delay complications that increase your risk of stroke. Monitoring your blood pressure, too, is especially important to you.
   
   
5. Stay Calm
   
   Angry outbursts increase your risk of stroke two-fold. Don’t suppress your anger, but learn to manage it so that it does not reach explosive levels. When very angry, try to distract yourself momentarily with constructive, gentle, physical activity, such as walking or raking leaves, until you cool down.
   
   
6. Don’t smoke
   
   Smoking increases your risk of stroke, heart disease, and numerous types of cancer.
   
   
7. Maintain a healthy weight
   
   Obesity increases the risk of stroke by contributing to risk factors such as heart disease and hypertension.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.