3 Lifestyle Changes for Older Adults to Avoid a Stroke
Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. Seniors can use these 3 easy lifestyle changes to avoid getting a stroke.
What is a Stroke?
Simply put, a stroke is a brain attack. This can happen to anyone regardless of age, and it can happen at any time. What actually happens during a stroke is that an area of the brain is cut off from blood flow. What happens after the stroke, and how the individual is affected depends on how much of the brain was damaged and where in the brain the stroke occurred.
While it may seem that strokes are simply a natural part of the aging process as people are more likely to have a stroke after the age of fifty-five, the truth is up to 80% of strokes can be prevented.
Avoiding a Stroke is the Best Treatment
There’s a good chance that someone in your family or someone you know has had a stroke. After their stroke, the quality of life for that person can range from them easing back into their normal routine to requiring daily care with even simple tasks. There is no cure for a stroke, but the best treatment is to avoid having one in the first place. While strokes can’t always be completely prevented, you can take strides to minimize your risk of stroke. Here are three ways you can change your lifestyle to avoid having a stroke.
Three Ways to Avoid a Stroke
There are three things anyone can do, right now, to help prevent a stroke later in life.
Shed Some Pounds
Being overweight affects many parts of your body. For example, it can cause high blood pressure and attribute to the risk of diabetes. Both high blood pressure and diabetes are risk factors for a stroke, so losing weight should be a priority.
Keep Alcohol to a Minimum
If you enjoy having a drink with dinner or in the evening, consider drinking red wine. Because it contains resveratrol, studies show it can help protect both the brain and heart. Keep in mind that one drink a day is all you should have to lower your risk of developing other conditions. Learn more about healthy alcohol consumption.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is a major stroke risk factor. In fact, it doubles the chance of a person having a stroke compared to a nonsmoker. Smoking can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and clot formation.
If you do have a stroke, know that about one-third of stoke victims recover completely. For the rest, they may have to deal with some sort of disability for the rest of their life.
One of the best ways for a stroke survivor to recover is with in home care. These professionals can assist with daily activities and errands, making it easier for a stroke victim and their family to receive the help they need to have a better quality of life.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact Family Matters In-Home Care to see how we can help support your family.
This post is courtesy of ClearCare, an all-encompassing web-based solution, empowering private-duty home care agencies to operate efficiently and grow while solving one of the biggest healthcare and economic challenges of our time.
