Knowing the risk factors and living healthily are the best steps to take to prevent a stroke. KEMH will give groups or businesses talks on strokes. Call 236-2345 and ask to book a stroke talk with the CHAD group.

The most important stroke prevention strategies are:

Control high blood pressure: Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Prescription medication is also available.

Do not smoke: <$>Not smoking reduces risk of stroke. For smokers who quit, ten years after quitting, the stroke risk is the same as that of a non-smoker.

Manage heart disease:>Physicians can treat heart disease and may prescribe medication to help prevent the formation of clots. People over 50 should consult their physicians about aspirin therapy.

Control diabetes$>Both diabetes and high blood pressure can be managed with diet, exercise, weight control and medication. Strict control of blood sugar levels may reduce damage to the brain if a stroke occurs.

Manage cholestero<$>Everyone should know his or her cholesterol level. Even though high cholesterol may be a more important risk factor for heart attack, it also is a stroke risk factor that should be treated.<

<$>s risk of stroke by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels and the overall health of blood vessels and the heart. It also helps with weight reduction, diabetes control, and can reduce stress.

Manage stress: Stress can cause a temporary spike in blood pressure — a risk factor for brain haemorrhage — ischemic stroke. Exercising and using relaxation techniques are good approaches to stress reduction.