Live It Out

Did you know that about 80 percent of strokes can be prevented! Don’t be one of the almost 800,000 Americans who suffer a stroke every year. Here are five simple ways you can reduce your risk of stroke.

1  See Your Doctor.
Regular screenings of your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight are essential to determine your risk for stroke and heart disease.

2  If You Smoke, QUIT!
Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable death in the United States.

3  Get Moving.
Walk. Swim. Jog. Run the vacuum cleaner. Just do something that gets your heart rate up for half an hour a day, five days a week.

4  Watch That WaistlinE.
Every pound counts. By dropping your weight by just 5%, you’ll reduce your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol levels and decrease your risk for diabetes.

5  Eat Smart.
Cut back on caffeine and reduce the sodium in your diet.

Source: American Heart Association, CDC