Outsmart a Stroke

What you can do works like medication and costs less

A daily walk helps Richard Hawk of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, recover from a stroke he suffered in May.

If your doctor told you he had a prescription that would keep your heart healthy, reduce your risk of stroke and cost you absolutely nothing, wouldn’t you jump at the chance to take it?

Chances are, he’s already prescribed this “medicine” for you—exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet! That’s important, because a new study found that people recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have double the stroke risk of people without the disease.

“Many people don’t realize that when it comes to managing diabetes that lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise, quitting smoking and eating a healthier diet, are just as important as medication,” says nurse practitioner Connie Molchany, C.R.N.P. of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network and Helwig Health and Diabetes Center.

“Diet and exercise help to reduce blood sugar, lower blood pressure and control ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, all of which contribute to stroke risk,” says Molchany’s colleague, family physician Brian Stello, M.D. “Losing just 10 pounds can drop your blood pressure 10 points, from a borderline-high 130/80 to the recommended 120/80,” Molchany says.

“Make your new lifestyle a habit because the physical damage that leads to a stroke typically takes many years,” Stello says. “And try not to give up when you give in. When you make a bad food choice, for example, think of it as a temporary setback, not a deal breaker. No one’s perfect, so keep at it, knowing that eventually you’ll be successful.”

Your Stroke-Reducing Lifestyle Prescription

• Exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
• Get regular medical exams.
• Stop smoking.
• Keep your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol within normal limits.
• Eat appropriate portions of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Eat less red meat and more fish and chicken.
• Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation. (See “Ask Our Expert” in this issue for more on alcohol limits.)
• Take your medications as directed.

ARTICLE TOOLS: