Help Prevent Stroke

By HealthDay - Fri Oct 16, 6:03 AM PDT

Whether you've ever had a stroke or not, there are things you can do to minimize your risk.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions:

 Keep blood pressure under control with lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, medication.

 Help prevent diabetes by eating a healthy diet, losing extra weight and getting regular exercise.

 Avoid use of any tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption.

 Get treatment for atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Left untreated, the condition can cause clots that can lead to stroke.

 Help keep your "bad" cholesterol down by eating a diet that's low in saturated fat and high in fiber.