How to Avoid a Stroke: 10 Proven Ways to Protect Your Brain

🧠 Why Stroke Prevention Matters

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), causing brain damage.
But most strokes happen because of preventable risk factors—like high blood pressure, smoking, or poor diet.

By taking control of your health, you can protect your brain and avoid long-term disability.

✅ 10 Proven Ways to Prevent a Stroke

1. Control High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is the #1 cause of stroke. Even moderate elevations put your brain at risk.

🔹 What to do:

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly

• Reduce salt intake

• Take medications as prescribed

2. Manage Diabetes

High blood sugar damages blood vessels and increases clot risk.

🔹 What to do:

• Keep blood sugar within target range

• Exercise and eat a balanced diet

• Take medications consistently

3. Stop Smoking

Smoking doubles your stroke risk by narrowing blood vessels and thickening blood.

🔹 What to do:

• Seek help to quit (nicotine patches, therapy, etc.)

• Avoid secondhand smoke

4. Eat a Stroke-Smart Diet

Poor diet contributes to obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes—all stroke risks.

🔹 What to do:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

• Reduce processed foods, sugars, and saturated fats

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical inactivity increases stroke risk by raising blood pressure and cholesterol.

🔹 What to do:

• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity (like walking) 5 days a week

• Include strength and flexibility training

6. Control Cholesterol

High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol lead to artery-clogging plaque.

🔹 What to do:

• Eat heart-healthy fats (like olive oil, nuts)

• Consider statins if recommended by your doctor

7. Limit Alcohol

Excess alcohol raises blood pressure and leads to weight gain.

🔹 What to do:

• Limit to 1 drink/day for women, 2 for men

8. Treat Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

AFib is an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form and travel to the brain.

🔹 What to do:

• Ask your doctor if you need a blood thinner

• Monitor heart rhythm regularly

9. Manage Stress

Chronic stress raises blood pressure and promotes unhealthy behaviors.

🔹 What to do:

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation

• Prioritize sleep and social support

10. Get Regular Checkups

Preventive care can identify risk factors early before they become serious.

🔹 What to do:

• Schedule annual physicals

• Know your numbers: BP, cholesterol, blood sugar

✋ Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

If you’ve had a mini stroke (TIA) or stroke symptoms before—even if they disappeared—your risk of a major stroke is high. Take action immediately and follow up with medical care.

🖐️ Stroke Prevention Includes Recovery & Movement

For those who’ve already had a stroke or are at high risk, maintaining daily movement is crucial—especially in the hands and arms.

✅ ReHAND™ Can Help:

• Restore mobility after a mild or major stroke

• Support daily hand therapy from home

• Improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and prevent further complications

👉 Stay protected. Start rebuilding.

Explore ReHAND™ and support your recovery and prevention journey today.