Early Detection

A stroke is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems. Some risk factors are controllable and others (such as age, family history, race and sex) are not. Help reduce your stroke risk:

• Get regular medical check-ups.
• Know the warning signs of a stroke. If you or someone near you shows these signs, call 911 right away.
• Follow your doctor’s medication and treatment orders carefully, especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Don’t change, add or stop medication without talking to your doctor.
• If you have atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), work with your doctor to control it.
• Stop smoking.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Control your weight.
• Manage diabetes.
• Check and control your cholesterol levels.
• Follow a healthy eating plan, including monitoring sodium intake.
• Get regular exercise.
• Learn to manage stress.
• Talk to your doctor about using birth control pills with caution, especially if you smoke or have migraine headaches.