Is it possible to prevent a stroke? As you get older, you are more susceptible to suffering from a stroke, especially if you have a family history of stroke. Read on to learn how to prevent a stroke before it happens and what to do in an emergency.

Many different factors contribute to the risk of suffering a stroke. It is not always possible to prevent a stroke from happening, and even with a healthy lifestyle and no history of stroke in your family, you can still suffer a stroke.

But the more steps you take to control the risk factors that can be controlled, the better your chances of preventing a stroke from ever happening.

Want to learn more about how to prevent a stroke before it happens? Here are four ways to protect yourself.

Lose Weight

Obesity is a risk factor that people have some control over. Losing weight can also reduce other factors that contribute to stroke, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The best part? You don’t have to lose a ton of weight to experience the benefits. Even losing as little as 10 pounds can lower your risk of stroke.

Exercise

Learning how to prevent a stroke before it happens can be a lot of work. Case in point: exercise. In addition to contributing to weight loss, exercising regularly reduces stroke risk by keeping the cardiovascular system healthy. Your goal should be to exercise for 30 minutes at a moderate intensity at least five times per week. Not sure what moderate-intensity exercise looks like? If you are breathing hard but can still talk, you are doing what needs to be done.

Stop Drinking or Drink in Moderation

If you drink two or more alcoholic drinks per day, you could be increasing your chance of stroke. While a few drinks now and then are fine, if you drink in excess regularly, you might want to think about cutting back on your health.

Quit Smoking

Do you smoke? Learning how to prevent a stroke before it happens is not as simple as changing your lifestyle, but if you want to take a major step toward a healthier life, quitting smoking is only ever good.

Know the Signs and Act FAST

Now that you know how to prevent a stroke before it happens, let’s consider what you should do if you think you or someone else is having a stroke.

It’s important to listen to your body. If you think you are having a stroke or are experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 911. To help you identify the signs of stroke, the National Stroke Association has created an easy-to-remember acronym—F. A. S. T.

F.A. S. T. stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time. During a stroke, one side of your face will often droop, one arm may not stay up when lifted, and speech can become slurred. When these symptoms are present, time is of the essence. Call for an ambulance or go to a hospital for help.

Got any questions about stroke treatment? Talk to us today.