In light of the fact that June is National Stroke Awareness Month, it’s important for people to take the time to educate themselves about the different health implications that can lead to a stroke and how to prevent them. There are three types of strokes—ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Each of them has distinguishable telltale signs that you should always look out for. However, there are certain preemptive measures you can take to lower your chances and the chances of someone you love from suffering a stroke.
4 Effective Ways to Prevent Strokes in Seniors
Professional caregivers with expertise in senior care can offer some incredible insights about the most useful methods they implement to improve the quality of life for their charges and help lower the risk of stroke in their elderly patients. Many caregivers offer in-home assistance for seniors in places like Kitchener and Waterloo and they can use their knowledge to help guide seniors in a positive direction.
Instilling Healthy Eating Habits
Something as simple as eating more vitamin- and nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, poultry, and fish can help lower the chances of an elderly patient suffering a stroke. These types of foods possess vitamins that can help prevent or slow down the formation of blood clots in the brain and even help lower cholesterol which causes cranial plaque buildup.
Enforce Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle and this point can’t be stressed enough. Despite what you might think, exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be rigorous to be effective. Even short intervals of cardio and muscle-building activity can make a huge difference in your overall health. It all depends on each person’s physical capabilities and limitations. Every person’s body is different and it’s important not to overdo it in order to prevent injury. On average, you should be able to complete either 75 minutes of rigorous exercise or 150 minutes of modest exercise every week to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Manage Blood Pressure
Unfortunately, many seniors eventually lose the ability to care for themselves and they need the assistance of a professional caregiver to help monitor their food intake, activity level, and blood pressure for them. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can help to significantly reduce the risk of a stroke by ensuring that the blood is flowing normally through the body and moving at a steady pace without any disturbances or interruptions.
Maintain a Healthy Weight and Cholesterol Level
Maintaining a healthy weight and controlling your cholesterol levels are central to preventing a whole host of health problems that could potentially lead to a stroke. These include obesity, Diabetes, heart disease, and so much more. Some people might have to lose weight, while others might have to gain it depending on their circumstances. It’s important to uphold a steady pace and avoid losing or gaining too much weight all at once.
In-Home Stroke Care in Kitchener and Waterloo
Under the care of a qualified caregiver, it’s possible for your elderly loved ones to reach their health goals and avoid encountering any major health problems. Home Care Assistance – Kitchener, Waterloo, and Guelph provides access to hundreds of highly skilled in-home caregivers who can work part-time or full-time depending on the needs of your loved one. All accommodations are aptly taken care of to ensure that your elderly family member or friend gets the most out of their personal care. For more information on our services, please contact us at (519) 954-2111.