4 Healthy Habits for Stroke Prevention
About 140,000 people in the United States die each year because of stroke. But, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80 percent of strokes could be prevented by making lifestyle changes that and following the advice of their health care providers.
Elder Care in Winchester City VA: Stroke Prevention Tips
If you’re concerned about your aging relative’s chance of having a stroke, below are 4 healthy habits that could help to prevent one.
#1: Make Dietary Changes
Making sure your older family member eats a healthy, balanced diet is one of the ways you can help them to avoid a stroke. A healthy diet is one that focuses on eating fresh fruits and vegetables. It also includes whole grains and protein from legumes, nuts, plants, fish, and lean meats. Avoid unhealthy foods like sugar-sweetened drinks, refined carbohydrates, and processed meats. Also, limit the amount of salt they eat. Learning how to read labels can help to ensure that the older adult is eating the healthiest foods possible. Another way to ensure they eat well is to have a senior care provider to assist them with planning and preparing meals. Senior care providers can suggest healthy foods and take the older adult to the grocery store to purchase them.
#2: Follow the Doctor’s Advice
Certain conditions, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, increase the risk of having a stroke. If your aging relative is being treated for a condition, it’s important that they follow the doctor’s instructions for taking medication and managing the problem. Sometimes that can be difficult for older adults who suffer from cognitive problems or memory loss. They may forget to take medicines or not understand the instructions they have been given. Senior care can help them by reminding them when it is time to take medicine, check blood sugar, or perform some other aspect of care.
#3: Get Active
Experts say that all adults, regardless of age, should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. This can include any kind of movement that gets the heart pumping, like taking a brisk walk, gardening, swimming, or going to an exercise class. If the older adult isn’t currently active, they should talk to a doctor before starting a new exercise routine to make sure they are healthy enough for the planned activity. Once they’ve been given the go-ahead, a senior care provider can help them to increase their activity. Senior care providers can go for walks with them, drive them to the pool or exercise class, or monitor them at home so they feel safer while exercising.
#4: Quit Using Tobacco
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for stroke. If the older adult currently uses tobacco, they should talk to the doctor about ways to quit. There are several cessation techniques and medications available. No matter how long the senior has smoked, it’s never too late to quit and improve their health. A senior care provider can support them while they try to quit. Senior care providers can offer a distraction from the urge to smoke and encouraging words when the process is difficult.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Winchester City, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991.
Sources
Cdc.gov/healthy_living
Heart.org
Cdc.gov/facts
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