Page 24 - Seniorstoday March 2024 Issue
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5. The role of cholesterol in stroke risk If you smoke, quitting is one of the most
and how to manage it important steps you can take to reduce your
High cholesterol levels can contribute stroke risk. Seek support from healthcare
to the buildup of plaque in your blood professionals, join smoking cessation
vessels, narrowing them and increasing programs, and utilise various strategies,
the risk of stroke. Therefore, managing and such as nicotine replacement therapy or
controlling your cholesterol levels is crucial medications, to increase your chances of
for stroke prevention. successfully quitting.
To keep your cholesterol levels in check, Remember, it’s never too late to quit
focus on consuming a diet low in saturated smoking, and the benefits to your health
and transfats. Increase your intake of foods are significant. By quitting, you not only
rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, decrease your risk of stroke but also
and olive oil. Regular physical activity can improve your overall well-being.
also help raise your good cholesterol (HDL)
levels while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) 7. Limiting alcohol consumption to
levels. reduce stroke risk
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough While moderate alcohol consumption
to control your cholesterol levels, your may have some health benefits, excessive
healthcare provider may prescribe drinking can significantly increase your
medication, such as statins. It’s important risk of stroke. Heavy drinking can raise
to take any prescribed medication as your blood pressure, contribute to the
directed and attend regular check-ups to development of atrial fibrillation (an
monitor your cholesterol levels and adjust abnormal heart rhythm), and lead to other
treatment if necessary. health issues that increase the likelihood of
a stroke.
6. Quitting smoking to decrease the To minimise your stroke risk, it’s
likelihood of a stroke important to drink alcohol in moderation.
The American Heart Association defines
moderate drinking as up to one drink per
day for women and up to two drinks per
day for men.
If you find it challenging to limit your
alcohol intake, consider seeking support
from healthcare professionals or joining
support groups. Remember, making
responsible choices about alcohol
consumption is crucial for your long-term
Smoking is a significant risk factor for health.
stroke and can have detrimental effects
on your overall health. The chemicals in 8. Managing diabetes to lower the risk of
tobacco smoke can damage your blood stroke
vessels, make your blood more likely to Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects
clot, and increase your blood pressure. how your body processes sugar (glucose).
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