10 Risk Factors for Stroke: Stop Doing These Now : The Hearty Soul

Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial as they often require immediate medical attention. The acronym FAST helps to remember common symptoms like a drooping face, inability to lift both arms, and slurred speech. Remember that time is of the essence, so seek help immediately even if symptoms disappear. Working to prevent strokes is crucial; over 80% of strokes can be prevented by reducing individual risk factors. Lowering blood pressure is key as hypertension is the biggest risk factor for stroke. Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and quit smoking to further reduce your risk. Managing other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease is also important. Improving sleep quality, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help lower your risk of stroke. Remember, some risk factors like age, gender, and family history are beyond your control, but small lifestyle changes can still make a big impact. Work with healthcare professionals to create a plan for long-term prevention.