You can do many things to help reduce your risk of stroke, even if you have already had a stroke. A healthy lifestyle plays a big part in decreasing your risk for disability and death from a stroke or heart attack.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
- Be physically active
- Decrease stress
- Don't smoke, don't use smokeless tobacco, and avoid secondhand smoke
- Eat foods low in saturated fats, transfats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars
- Get blood pressure checked regularly and manage blood pressure with your health care provider
- Have regular medical checkups
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Seek emotional support when needed
- Take medications as directed
Healthy Eating Habits
Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups. Nutrient-rich foods have minerals, protein, whole grains, and other nutrients but are lower in calories. They may help you control your weight, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your blood pressure. A healthy diet emphasizes:
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat dairy products
- Nuts and legumes
- Non-tropical vegetable oils
- Skinless poultry and fish
- Whole grains
Physical Activity
- Check with your doctor before starting any new physical activity
- Look for even small chances to be more active, take the stairs instead of an elevator, or park farther from your destination
- Start slowly and build up to 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity
