6 essential steps to reduce the risk of a stroke, tips from a well experienced nurse

According to a former neurocritical care nurse who revealed the five secrets which you can do to take care of your brain health and prevent a stroke. Sionbhan Mclernon, a senior lecturer in adult nursing at London South Bank university, has shared recently about the simple things which can be done to have a healthy lifestyle and prevent having stroke. A stroke occurs when blood vessels burst. This restricts the blood and oxygen vital to keep the brain healthy and the damage may become permannents if enough brain cells die.

Here are the six things to change for a healthy lifestyle

Step 1: Stop smoking to preserve your brain

The first and foremost thing to do to have a healthy brain is to give up cigarettes and vapes. Smoking destroys blood vessel walls in the brain, decreases oxygen levels overall, and raises the risk of having a stroke.

Step 2: Manage blood pressure

Higher blood pressure can put a strain on artery walls, weakening them and allowing fat molecules to accumulate. This can cause extensive damage in the vessels and open the door for blood clots to form or burst. Blood pressure monitoring is a must to identify any possible problems early.

Step 3: Control cholesterol levels

Elevated levels of LDL ('bad') cholesterol and triglycerides (blood lipids) raise the risk of stroke due to clots in the blood. Elevated 'bad' cholesterol can potentially raise the risk of stroke by 10 percent.

Step 4: Control blood sugar levels

Higher blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a significant stroke risk factor because it can cause damage to blood vessels, causing blood clots to reach the brain. Healthy exercise, eating a healthy diet, and controlling stress can lower blood glucose.

Step 5: Healthy weight and diet 

Obesity and taking uneven meals can greatly raise the risk of stroke. Excess weight raises the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Eating a Mediterranean diet with abundant plant foods and healthy fats helps maintain health.

Step 6: Exercise and sleep first

Sleeping for seven to nine hours every night and exercising on more than two days of a week are necessary for the prevention of stroke. Insufficient sleep and sleep disorders are linked with an increased risk of stroke, whereas regular exercise can reduce the risk.