Common Habits That Increases Risk of Strokes
The risk of stroke is never zero. Around 15 million people suffer from stroke every year and about 5 million of them die. Some are left partially disabled while others experience cognitive impairments.
Literally anyone can get a stroke and this is amplified by factors like family history, genetics or even ethnicity! Nonetheless, we can mitigate the risk of stroke by avoiding habits that endorse an unhealthy lifestyle.
This includes:
Smoking
Smoking is one of the main causes of stroke. Even secondhand smoke or chewing tobacco can raise the risk of stroke! It increases blood pressure and reduces oxygen in the blood, leading to high blood pressure.
Smoking can also damage your inner blood vessels, making them susceptible to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. It is highly advisable to stay away from smoke or at the very least, reduce your consumption of cigarettes and tobacco.
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of stroke. Annually, it is estimated that over 1 million strokes are alcohol related! Alcohol is linked to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes and hypertension, conditions that aggravate the likelihood of stroke.
Consider limiting your intake per day; one drink for women and two drinks for men is the advisable limit.
Bad Nutrition
A bad diet can lead to many bad things including stroke. Poor nutrition impacts the body’s vital functions, leading to conditions like obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A diet that consists of unhealthy fats, sugars and sodium should be limited.
Conversely, a diet low in nutrients like vitamins, fibre and minerals can also have detrimental effects. Cutting down on unhealthy junk while ramping up your intake of nutrient rich foods should be prioritised.
Physical Inactivity
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of stroke. Lying down all day and being inactive can lead to clogged arteries. Fatty material will build up and you’ll develop atherosclerosis, making it harder for blood to flow.
This can result in blockages or a blood clot, raising the risk of an ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke. Aim to exercise for at least 2-3 hours a week. Even short walks or standing can be considered exercise!
Bad Stress Management
It’s not easy to manage stress in a corporate driven environment. But stress can make the heart work harder, increasing blood pressure and fat levels in your blood. This raises the risk of blood clots and potential strokes or heart attacks.
It’s important to take time off and relax. Time away can help reset your mind and reduce the pressure that builds up in a high-stress environment.
Not Managing Existing Diseases
Stroke can stem from many chronic conditions. Unfortunately, some people find out about their underlying issues only after a serious event like a stroke. That’s why annual checkups and regular health screenings are so important.
Early detection can help you take control of your health and prevent minor issues from turning into life-threatening events. It’ll encourage you to make lifestyle changes that can manage your condition and mitigate the risk of stroke.
Stroke Symptoms
Understanding stroke symptoms can be the difference between life and death. Recognising early signs and acting quickly can improve your chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
These symptoms include:
Face Drooping
One side of your face may droop or feel numb. Smiling will look uneven or lopsided.
Arm Weakness
You may experience sudden weakness or numbness in one arm. Raise both arms and see which arm drifts downward or cannot be lifted. This may indicate a stroke.
Speech Difficulty
You find it hard to speak or understand others. Even if you can form words, your speech might be garbled or slurred. A simple test is to try repeating a basic sentence like “the sky is blue.” Difficulty saying it clearly may be a sign of stroke.
Trouble Seeing
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes can be an indication of stroke. These changes can happen without warning and you may experience blurred vision, double vision or even a loss of vision!
Severe Headaches
A hemorrhagic stroke can cause sudden intense headaches. It is often described as the worst headache anyone could experience and can be accompanied by symptoms like vomiting or dizziness.
Numbness or Weakness
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body—is a common stroke symptom. This weakness can make it difficult to lift your arms, hold objects, or even smile evenly.
If you notice this type of sudden weakness or numbness, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.
Stroke Recovery
Stroke recovery can help you regain movement, speech and strength. You’ll be independent again and your quality of life will improve. At KJ Therapy, we aim to provide specialised services with top notch expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.
We combine these elements to boost recovery while ensuring safety and comfort. Your rehabilitation journey will be a seamless one and we’ll do our best to reduce the risk of stroke from recurring. Contact us to find out more!
Explore Our Product
Take a look at our collection of exoskeleton robot and devices that are focused in helping stroke patient back up on their feet.