Stroke is a serious and potentially fatal medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, most often due to a blood clot or a rupture in blood vessels. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic stroke, where a blockage prevents proper blood flow to the brain, and hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding and damaging brain cells. While some risk factors, such as age, race, and family history, cannot be changed, others can be mitigated through healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Parag Shah, a specialist in natural medicine and rehabilitation at the Brooks Rehabilitation Center in Jacksonville, Florida, shared some advice on how women can reduce their risk of stroke.
1. **Avoid Air Pollution**
Research shows that air pollution tends to affect women more than men in terms of inflammation, infections, and heart disease. Shah stated, "According to a recent review, high levels of ambient air pollution, even just short-term exposure, can increase the likelihood of strokes."
2. **Follow a Mediterranean Diet**
The Mediterranean diet, a balanced diet followed by countries along the Mediterranean Sea, such as Italy and Greece, can reduce health risks associated with strokes, according to Shah. He explained to Fox News Digital, "Current research on stroke prevention explores a range of lifestyle factors. This includes the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds."
3. **Practice Tai Chi and Yoga**
Shah suggests engaging in exercises that promote heart health and reduce stress, which can help lower the likelihood of stroke. He said, "Participating in physical activities such as yoga and tai chi, along with strength training, and emphasizing mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises, can provide additional benefits in reducing stroke risk."
4. **Know the Less Common Signs of Stroke**
Shah warned that sudden confusion, difficulty understanding, trouble speaking, double vision, and numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, are often overlooked yet are signs of a stroke. He remarked, "Recognizing these signs is crucial, as quick identification and immediate medical care greatly enhance recovery chances for stroke patients."
5. **Understand Hidden Causes**
In addition to the more obvious stroke symptoms, there are some warning signs we tend to overlook until it's too late. Shah explained, "Factors such as pregnancy, childbirth, and hormonal changes like menopause can increase the likelihood of stroke." He added that the use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy can also elevate this risk, as well as hidden biological factors that make women more predisposed. Shah emphasized, "Scheduling regular health check-ups and staying informed about stroke symptoms and prevention methods is essential for maintaining good health."
