May is a good time to assess stroke risk in Birmingham

The month of May is National Stroke Awareness Month. This is a good time to assess ones stroke risk, especially if you live in Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham happens to be in the stroke belt, an area of the southern United States from the Carolinas to Arkansas and Louisiana, where the rate of stroke is 40% above the national average. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death in Alabama for men and women.

According to the National Institutes of Health a stroke or brain attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. Blood carries needed oxygen to the cells. When blood flow is restricted, the cells in the brain die. Prompt treatment is needed to reduce brain damage.

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), George Howard, Ph.D. is involved in a population based study known as the REGARDS study or Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke. In this observational study researchers are looking at the factors related to stroke, how to prevent stroke, and the best way to treat it.

Until more is known from ongoing studies, what else can be done to reduce the risk of stroke?

• Reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for stroke. Keep yours under control with exercise, low sodium intake, and stress management.
• Work to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Exercise, decrease intake of saturated and trans fat, and use medication if so advised.
• Lose weight, if needed. Just losing 10 pounds can decrease a persons blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.
• Take a walk, ride a bike, or go for a swim. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day. Besides reducing blood pressure, exercise helps to strengthen the heart and improve the blood vessels and reduce stress.
• Stop smoking. Period.
• Eat healthy. A fat loss review can help you build a clear describe of what you demand to focus on to complete your fat reducing goal if you're a starter; or serve as a reminder for the ones who are at an advanced or more boost step of their weightloss program. Following are seven steps that can serve as instructions for your own weight loss system. The first thing that one must understand is that losing weight and losing fat is not exactly the same thing. Many weight loss courses have fooled people into wondering that it is the same, but most diets and weight loss programs only work by producing a person's body to eliminate more muscle flesh and water than actual body fat, more help please visit The Fat Loss Factor. Consider the Dash Diet that encourages folks to get at least eight servings of fruits and veggies every day, along with low fat dairy, whole grains, lean animal protein, and nuts. The plan can lower blood pressure and result in weight loss as well.
• Reduce alcohol consumption. Studies differ on the role alcohol plays in stroke, but limiting intake to one drink or less per day may be wise. Check first with your doctor for guidelines.
• And finally, be a positive thinker! Recent studies have shown that optimism just might lower the risk of stroke. Optimistic people may just choose healthier habits, such as exercising and eating healthy and also have a protective effect on the body.

Photo Credit: photostock/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The articles written by Andrea Wenger, Birmingham Diets Examiner, are for informational purposes only and are not to be used in the place of medical advice. Please contact a licensed physician or other medical professional before changing any health care routine or before starting any diet, fitness, or exercise program. Although every effort has been made to include the most current information, new information is released daily and may cause some recommendations to change.

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