5 Ways to Help Prevent a Stroke

5 Ways to Help Prevent a Stroke

Take control of your health with tips from the American Stroke Association’s latest guidelines. Learn about key prevention strategies—from routine health checks to small lifestyle changes—that can help reduce the risk of a first stroke. Each year, over 600,000 Americans experience their first stroke—but up to 80% are preventable! Be sure to know the warning signs of stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness Speech difficulty, Time to call 911

New Stroke Guidelines: Reduce Your Risk of a First Stroke.

  1. Get checked regularly. Regular health screenings can help catch stroke risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and obesity early.

The doctor points to icons of a blood pressure cuff, cholesterol vial, and scale. A patient gets a routine check-up.

  1. Embrace healthy habits. Focus on healthy habits with food, such as the Mediterranean diet, get moving, quit tobacco, and make sleep a priority.

Characters are shown preparing a Mediterranean meal, jogging in a park, sleeping peacefully, and tossing a cigarette into the trash

  1. Use medications when needed. Options to reduce risk may include antihypertensives, statins and newer treatments for diabetes and obesity.

A pharmacist hands over prescription bottles to a smiling patient.

  1. Explore local resources. Look for community programs offering affordable care, access to healthy food or other support. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for guidance—they can help connect you to programs that fit your situation.

A character chats with a doctor and/or shops for fresh produce at a community market.

  1. Screen for gender-specific risks. consider gender-specific risks. Women should be screened for pregnancy-related conditions, early menopause and more.

A pregnant female character at a doctor’s office discussing pregnancy-related risks.

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