Healthy Behaviors Reduce the Risk of a Stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, and a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Strokes can occur at any age, but nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65. The risk of having a stroke more than doubles each decade after age 55, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to health experts to reduce the risk of a stroke, individuals should get familiar with the warning signs and practice healthy behaviors. By adopting healthy behaviors such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and avoiding tobacco use, a person can prevent or control the effects of many chronic illnesses like strokes, diabetes and heart disease.