Prevention Work
Tips and Advice
A stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Looking after your health can help prevent the risks of a stroke happening
Follow the advice below to check in with the health of yourself and those around you
Diet
An unhealthy diet can increase your chances of having a stroke because it may lead to an increase in your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Weight gain has an impact on your body and health, a healthy weight should be maintained.
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A low-fat, high-fibre diet is usually recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (5 A Day) and wholegrains.
Ensuring a balance in your diet is important. Do not eat too much of any single food, particularly foods high in salt and processed foods.
Exercise
Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy weight. Regular exercise can also help lower your cholesterol and keep your blood pressure healthy.
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For most people, at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week is recommended.
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If you're recovering from a stroke, you should discuss possible exercise plans with the members of your rehabilitation team.
Regular exercise may not be possible in the first weeks or months after a stroke, but you should be able to begin exercising once your rehabilitation has progressed and this is the work that is vital at TSSS.
Stop Smoking
Smoking significantly increases your risk of having a stroke. This is because it narrows your arteries and makes your blood more likely to clot.
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You can reduce your risk of having a stroke by stopping smoking.
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Not smoking will also improve your general health and reduce your risk of developing other serious conditions, such as lung cancer and heart disease.
Cut Down On Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure and trigger an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), both of which can increase your risk of having a stroke. Because alcoholic drinks are high in calories, they also cause weight gain. Heavy drinking multiplies the risk of stroke by more than 3 times.
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If you choose to drink alcohol and have fully recovered, you should aim not to exceed the recommended limits: men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week, spread your drinking over 3 days or more if you drink as much as 14 units a week.
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If you have not fully recovered from your stroke, you may find you have become particularly sensitive to alcohol and even the recommended safe limits may be too much for you.
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