Know Stroke Prevention

Conditions that can cause stroke are very common among African Americans.
The best treatment for stroke is prevention. You can reduce your risk of
having a stroke by taking action to improve your health.

What can you do to prevent a stroke?
While family history of stroke plays a role in your risk, there are many
risk factors you can control.

a.. If you have high blood pressure, work with your doctor to get it under
control. Many people do not realize they have high blood pressure, which
usually produces no symptoms but is a major risk factor for heart disease
and stroke. Managing your high blood pressure is the most important thing
you can do to avoid stroke.

b.. If you smoke, quit.

c.. If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it. As with high blood
pressure, diabetes usually causes no symptoms but it increases the chance of
stroke.

d.. If you are overweight, start maintaining a healthy diet and exercising
regularly.