Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart and vascular diseases are the most serious diseases in the United States, but other countries suffer from the same problem. For example, in the US, strokes occur in almost every family. It is very important to always remember that precautions will help you and your loved ones protect yourself from the development of these diseases, thereby extending your life and their lives.
1) Keep pressure under control
High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke. If someone close to you has prehypertension (blood pressure 120/80 to 139/89) or hypertension (140/90 or higher), action should be taken. Your doctor will prescribe the medications you need, but your blood pressure should be monitored continuously. You can buy a simple pressure measuring device that will help you always be up to date. It is very easy to learn how to use it. There are also more expensive electronic devices that are sold in pharmacies.
2) Manage stress and depression
The emotional and psychological state of your loved ones has a significant impact on their physical condition. Do everything possible to reduce stress, get rid of anger and depressive thoughts – this will help both you and your family prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and, in particular, stroke. If your parents live separately, they may feel lonely and isolated. Often people who are not working are bored, they feel useless and unhappy. If you're really worried about them, try to take time out with them, go out together, visit them, meet new people, or help them find hobbies. Watch what they eat and drink. If you have already tried everything, but depression in your loved ones continues, you should consult a specialist. Depression is a disease that can be cured!
3) Reduce the risk of blood clots
Ask your doctor what medications you should take to avoid blood clots. One of the simplest drugs is aspirin, which can be used in small doses as a preventive measure.
4) Pay attention to other diseases
If your loved ones suffer from atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm), diabetes, or heart valve or vascular diseases, they are much more likely to develop a stroke. Such diseases require careful and constant monitoring. Make sure your loved ones have a good doctor and he gives them the right treatment.
5) Talk to your doctor about what medications can increase your risk of stroke
Hormone replacement therapy, rosiglitazone (for diabetics), and some arthritis medications increase the risk of stroke. Ask your doctor if there are other alternative drugs available.
6) Learn about early stroke symptoms and try to take action in time
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, one out of three people with transient cerebrovascular disorders has an acute stroke. Here are the symptoms of such disorders or mini strokes that should be immediately reported to the doctor:
–Unexpected numbness or weakness in the muscles of the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body
–Unexpected confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
–Unexpected vision problems in one or both eyes
–Unexpected mobility problems, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness
7) Try not to raise bad cholesterol
One of the main factors that cause a stroke is high cholesterol levels in the blood. Ideally, a person should have a level of no more than 200 milligrams/deciliter, and it should not be more than five times higher than the level of “good” cholesterol. The ideal level of such cholesterol should be 70 milligrams/deciliter. Make sure your loved ones check their cholesterol levels regularly and take action if they are too high. Following a low-fat diet and exercising regularly can help, but not always. If your cholesterol level does not drop, you may need to be treated with medication.
8) Follow a healthy diet
The best diet for preventing heart disease is the American Heart Association's recommended diet. Your diet should include lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Your loved ones should reduce their fat intake (total fat – 25-35 percent of total calories consumed, saturated fat – no more than 7 percent, trans fat – no more than 1 percent ), cholesterol (less than 200 milligrams per day) and sodium (less than 1,500 milligrams per day for high blood pressure and less than 2,300 milligrams for low blood pressure). Women should drink no more than 1 drink per day, and men should not drink more than 2. You should also consume 25-30 grams of fiber daily.
9) Get involved in sports
Sports play an important role in strengthening the cardiovascular system, so they help protect against stroke. How much and how should you study? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association recommend that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. It is not necessary to do aerobics 5 times a week for half an hour. You can, for example, extend the activity for a whole day. For example, park your car not near the house, but somewhere far away, then you can walk more, or take the stairs without using the elevator. Before your loved ones start exercising, you should consult your doctor about possible restrictions.
10) Try to stop smoking
Smoking is one of the risk factors for strokes. If your loved ones smoke or share a household with people who smoke, it can cause a stroke. Even if you are always around a smoker but don't smoke yourself, this increases the risk of stroke by 30 percent! Quitting smoking is certainly not easy, but here are some tips that might help:
–Ask your loved ones what they think about smoking, and they may be able to tell you the easiest way to do it.
–Try to discuss smoking issues with them, find out what they are worried about. Smoking may help them calm down, and you can find another alternative.
-Never get annoyed or yell if you find out they're hiding what they're smoking from you.
–Help them avoid situations that make them want to reach for a cigarette. If they're used to smoking after eating, for example, encourage them to go for a walk instead.
–You must understand that after quitting cigarettes, withdrawal syndrome may occur. You should not take it personally if loved ones become irritable, tired, or quick-tempered.
-Try to quit smoking yourself. If you can't do this, try not to smoke in front of loved ones. Otherwise, it will not only be difficult for them to quit smoking themselves, but passive smoking will not benefit them either.
–If it is very difficult for your loved ones to give up cigarettes, seek medical attention.