What does it mean to suffer a stroke? It is when a part of the brain is cut off from oxygen-rich blood, either due to a blockage or haemorrhage. This health condition can have serious consequences. Oftentimes, it results in it physical disabilities or death. But stroke can be unpredictable. It can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. But very little is known about the disease. October 29 is observed as World Stroke Day every year by the World Stroke Organization. The day focuses on stroke awareness and improving facilities for people who survived the health condition. Although stroke is a deadly disease, it is completely preventable. In just a few steps, you can keep yourself protected from this deadly disease. Here’s how you can prevent stroke.

The cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle is diet, exercise and abstaining from alcohol and tobacco. A poor lifestyle can lead to problems of clogged arteries, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. How To Recognise The Symptoms of A Stroke FAST!

Cut Down on Salt, Saturated Fats

Eating a diet full of saturated fats, high salt-content and low fibre foods can be dangerous for your blood vessels. Don’t stuff yourself with a single kind of food. That will make you nutritionally deficient. Restrict the amount of salt you eat. Going more than six grams of salt is bad for your blood pressure, which can cause haemorrhagic episodes.

Brisk Walking

A healthy diet should go with regular exercise. That helps in maintaining healthy body weight. It can also help you lower your cholesterol levels and keep your blood pressure in the normal range. Aerobic activities such as cycling, brisk walking for 150 minutes a day is required to prevent stroke, according to the National Health Society. Objective, Significance and History of the Day Meant for Stroke Awareness.

No Smoking!

Smoking is the number 1 enemy of the arteries as it narrows them down. This creates blockages, leaving more chances of strokes. Abstaining from smoking can also improve general health and reduce your risk of other diseases.

No Alcohol!

Alcohol can raise risk of high blood pressure and causes irregular heartbeats or atrial fibrillation. These conditions can worsen your chances of stroke. According to the NHS, if you consume alcohol, your risk of stroke raises by three times.

Stroke is a deadly disease, which claims millions of lives every year. It can lead to severe physical and communicational disabilities. But if you already have problems like cholesterol, high blood pressure and other lifestyle problems, you need to follow these rules to reduce stroke risk.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2019 11:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).