A stroke of genius: Act now to prevent a stroke
Every year, almost 610,000 Americans have a first-time stroke and, for around 87% of them, it's an ischemic stroke, in which a blood clot or plaque in the arteries blocks blood flow to the brain. And surprisingly, about a third of people hospitalized for stroke are younger than 65!
A family history and genetics can play a role, but stress, anxiety and depression are also risk factors for stroke. So are sleep apnea, kidney disease, migraines, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, regularly sleeping more than 9 hours a day, and using illegal drugs such as cocaine.
If you have any of those stroke risks, act today to prevent it from happening to you. 1. Lower blood pressure with medication and lifestyle changes. 2. Achieve a healthier weight. 3. Exercise with at least moderate intensity three days a week and do strength-training twice weekly. 4. Drink alcohol in moderation -- or not at all -- and quit smoking and taking medications, supplements and recreational drugs not prescribed by your doc. 5. Tell your doctor if you experience an irregular heartbeat and treat atrial fibrillation. 6. Control or reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Bonus: GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic reduce the risk of stroke and improve recovery according to three studies presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 22nd Annual Meeting.
So, ask your doctor to evaluate your stroke risk and explore the many ways you can reduce those risks and achieve a younger ActualAge, as outlined in "Dr. Roizen's Tips for Living to 100" on YouTube.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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