World Stroke Week is here, wrapping up with World Stroke Day on 29 October and it’s the perfect time to talk about stroke prevention. With one in four people worldwide expected to experience a stroke in their lifetime, it’s never been more important to take proactive steps to safeguard your health.
In South Africa, strokes continue affect thousands of lives. But here’s the good news: up to 80% of strokes are preventable through small, sustainable lifestyle changes.
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Here are five simple, actionable ways you can reduce your risk of stroke, starting today.
5 Key Ways to Keep Strokes at Bay
1. Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check
High blood pressure is the number one cause of strokes. The good news? Managing your blood pressure is in your hands. Small tweaks, like cutting back on salt, managing stress, and adding regular exercise to your routine, can make all the difference. For those who need extra support, medication can help too. Keeping your blood pressure under control can slash your stroke risk by 50%—how’s that for motivation?
2. Eat Smart with Omega-3s on Your Plate
A balanced diet is good for your waistline but it’s also key to brain health. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce cholesterol and inflammation, two major risk factors for strokes.
That’s where Lucky Star comes in. Known for delicious sardines and pilchards, Lucky Star products pack a punch of essential Omega-3s, helping you enjoy flavourful meals while taking care of your heart and brain. With no extra oil, high protein content, and GMO-free goodness, it’s a win-win for your health and your taste buds.
3. Get Moving (Yes, You Can!)
Physical activity does wonders for your circulation, lowers blood pressure, and helps you maintain a healthy weight, three critical factors in stroke prevention. You don’t need to run a marathon. Just 30 minutes of movement a day, whether it’s walking, dancing, or gardening, will put you on the right path to better health.
4. Drink Less, Quit Smoking. Your Body Will Thank You
Excessive drinking and smoking are two of the biggest enemies of a healthy brain. Smoking damages your blood vessels, while alcohol raises your blood pressure, both of which can lead to a stroke. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol may be challenging, but the benefits for your brain and heart are worth it. Your brain, heart, and future self will thank you.
5. Stay on Top of Your Health with Check-Ups
Prevention starts with knowing your health. Regular screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease can help you catch issues before they turn into bigger problems. Early detection, paired with the right care, significantly reduces stroke risk. So, make those health check-ups a priority—you’ve got this!
Expert Insights: Small Changes, Big Impact
“Strokes may strike without warning, but by making simple, everyday changes, like managing blood pressure and eating a diet rich in Omega-3s, we can dramatically reduce our risk,” says Professor Pamela Naidoo, a leading voice in stroke prevention. “Prevention is powerful, and every step we take toward healthier living can save lives.”
Now is the time to take control
This World Stroke Week, let’s turn awareness into action. By following these five steps, managing blood pressure, eating smart, staying active, quitting bad habits, and getting regular check-ups, you’re taking charge of your health in the best way possible.
Need more tips? Visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation South Africa for resources and guidance on living a stroke-free life.
