NEW YORK, May 15, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A few lifestyle changes can greatly
reduce anyone's chances of having a stroke, a U.S. physician says.
"Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading
cause of adult disabilities, but more than half of all strokes can be
prevented," Dr. Matthew Fink, chief of the division of stroke and critical care
neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New
York City, says in a statement.
For instance, avoiding stroke is another good reason to quit smoking. Fink says
a smoker is at twice the risk of having a stroke because smoking damages blood
vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up the clogging of arteries.
Among the other lifestyle changes Fink says can help reduce stroke risk include:
-- Flavoring your food with a variety of spices to cut back on the amount of
salt may help bring blood pressure to a healthy level of 120/80 or below.
-- Eating a heart-healthy diet that balances good cholesterol and bad
cholesterol helps keep cholesterol level at or below 200mg/dl.
-- Exercising can help lose extra pounds that place added strain on the
circulation system.
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International