How to avoid a stroke

The road to stroke reduction lies in prevention. Here are some precautions one can take to protect himself or his family;

• Keep the basics right. The blood pressure and diabetes levels should fall in the safe range. Close monitoring and appropriate treatment of hypertensives and diabetics, reduces their chances of further stroke.

• Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol.

• Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals, low in animal fat and sugar and high in fiber (vegetables and fruits). Avoid fried foods. Check your blood cholesterol levels through blood test. Cut down on salt, if you are hypertensive.

• Regular exercise diminishes body fat, improves muscle tone and metabolism, and lowers the pulse rate and blood pressure. Walking is the best and safest for those who have already experienced a stroke.

• Modern contraceptive pills with low estrogen content decreases the risk of strokes in women. However, women who have had venous thrombosisdefine should switch to a different form of contraceptive.

• If one experiences any of the symptoms of TIA (Transient ischemic attack) – dizziness, numbness, muscular weakness, temporary blindness, impairment of speech- consult doctor at the earliest.

However, if you suspect that a person is having a stroke, call a doctor or ambulance immediately. Meanwhile, place the victim in a flat position. Do not move him. Loosen any tight clothing. If the person should vomit, turn his head to one side to prevent him choking.