After Stroke -- Well Life Series -- Lifestyle Factors and Methods to Prevent a Second Stroke

After Stroke — Well Life Series — Lifestyle Factors and Methods to Prevent a Second Stroke

American Stroke Foundation·
Stroke EducationWellness

Today we are going to discuss topic importance, risk factors, doctor recommendations, lifestyle factors, and other tips.

Importance

  • Increased risk for a 2nd stroke after your first
  • ¼ stroke survivors will have a second stroke within 5 years
  • People are not aware of the lifestyle changes they need to make to prevent another stroke

Stroke Risk Factors

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Irregular/rapid heart rate or beat
  • Smoking
  • Heart disease and heart conditions
  • Gender, age, and inheritance
  • High Cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

Common Doctor Recommendations

Some common recommendations for stroke survivors from doctors include taking prescribed medications and making as many positive lifestyle changes as possible.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy.

  • Find a routine
  • Exercise regularly
  • Engage in different types: walking, strength, stretching, biking, aquatic, etc.

Exercise has many benefits such as improved mental & physical health.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

  1. You should take prescribed medication
  2. Understand how the food you eat can impact these things: fried foods, baked goods, caffeine, salt, etc.

Check your blood pressure regularly

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking is one of the largest risk factors for a stroke. Smoking makes it easier for your blood to clot and causes your blood pressure to raise. Alcohol is another risk factor as it can lead to heart conditions, obesity, liver damage, and high blood pressure. 

Healthy Diet and Weight

It is important for you to be eating healthy. You should talk to your doctor about a healthy weight and diet. You should also talk to your doctor about how much water you should be having. Lastly, you should be having a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.

5 Reasons to Add Fruits and Vegetables to Your Diet

  1. Nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
  2. Free or low in trans fats, saturated fats and sodium
  3. Low in calories, but will fill you up
  4. Flexible and many forms
  5. Whole body health

Managing Stress

Stress can put you at risk for many different health conditions and issues. For example, it can lead to high blood pressure, inflammation, heart disease, etc.. There are 3 different stages of stress, but it is key to listen to your body and not reach the third level.

Sleep

As an adult, you should be getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night. There are different things you can do to improve your sleep such as having a schedule and routine, setting alarms, and addressing sleep problems as they occur.

Self-Care

Self-care can improve your overall health, both mental and physical. It is important for you to listen to your body and take care of yourself. Surround yourself with the right people that will support you in making positive lifestyle choices.

Extra Tips

Some extra tips for stroke prevention include:

  • Regular check-ups
  • Asking your doctor to run different tests

Asking any and all questions to your general practitioner!

The goal of the American Stroke Foundation is to help stroke survivors continue improving and regaining independence in daily living skills, and to support stroke survivors and their families through their ongoing journey of “life after stroke.” 

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