Prevent a Stroke and More

We know that maintaining a healthy weight, eating right, getting some exercise and not smoking are good ways to help reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes. What about stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States? There has been a lot of research on stroke, but as with all research, the more participants in a study, the more accurate the conclusion.

In a new study that included over 110,000 people, researchers defined a healthy lifestyle as not smoking, having a body mass index in the normal range, getting at least 30 minutes per day of “moderate” exercise, drinking alcohol in moderation and following a healthy diet. (Circulation 2008; 118:000-000)

The researchers found that women who had the healthiest lifestyles were up to 80 perent less likely to have a stroke than their counterparts who had none of the healthy lifestyle factors. Men reduced their risk of stroke by 70 percent by following a healthy lifestyle.

Eighty percent! Seventy percent! That’s huge!

In analyzing the data, the scientists estimated that about half of all strokes that occur today could be prevented by simply following a healthy lifestyle.

One of the most concerning findings revealed that people whose body mass index fell into the "overweight" category increased their risk of all types of strokes by almost 25 percent. Previous research had not shown such dramatic differences in those who are overweight but not obese.

The best way to maintain a healthy weight is to eat right and exercise. Here on LiveStrong, you’ll find the tools to help you. Start by checking your BMI. Move over to The Daily Plate and begin tracking your calories. Join a group and get involved with others who are working at being healthy. It is easy to live longer and better, and help is only a few clicks away.

Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., a.k.a. Dr. Gourmet
LiveStrong Advisory Board Member

Drgourmet.com