When summer arrives, we like to march into it with vigor and enjoy the pleasant weather. However, what do we do to keep our heart healthy and lower our risks for stroke? We are constantly challenged with we to stay healthy and enjoy the activities we like doing. However, many times we forget the basics of healthy living that lower our risk of stroke or other heart related diseases.

3 Tips to Reduce Risk of Stroke

1. Avoid sodas. So it is hot outside and a good soda sounds great. However, women over 50 increase their risk of having a stroke by 23% if they indulge in more than 2 sodas a day. That’s something to think about as you are craving a soda pop this summer. Look for refreshing alternatives like water or flavor your water with fruit and you will be refreshed and more heart healthy. There are many options to replace your soda with that will reduce your risk of stroke.
2. Pay attention to your medications. As you look at your medications you take, make sure to read if and how the sun and heat can affect you and how the medications react to your body. It is important to pay attention to how different medications react when you are exposed to the heat of the summer. If you are not sure if your medication can affect your health–especially your heart health–contact your pharmacist or physician and ask them to help you out.
3. Live mindfully. What does “live mindfully” mean? It means 80% of strokes can be avoided by eating healthy, exercising, and engaging your mind. Keeping active both physically and mentally can reduce health risks. You also need to remember that living mindfully means keeping up with some sort of socialization. It is vital to your health and everyday purposeful living.

At the end of the day, you need to be aware of heart health and how to avoid stroke. As we age, there are many things to consider in everyday living to take care of our heart and our general health. Please contact Ann today with any aging related concerns with your loved ones at Senior Living Options.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.