According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 Americans will suffer a new or recurrent stroke this year. That means, on average, someone in America has a stroke every 40 seconds. Strokes are a leading cause of severe, long-term disability, and addressing the associated risk factors can help prevent their often devastating consequences. To help minimize the risk of stroke, consider the following suggestions:

1. Control your blood pressure either through lifestyle changes or medication.
2. Exercise. People who exercise consistently have a lower risk of suffering a stroke.
3. If you smoke, quit.
4. Limit alcohol intake. If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Moderate alcohol intake is defined as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks a day for men.
5. Manage diabetes and maintain tight control of blood sugar levels.
6. Lower cholesterol into a healthy range.
7. Focus on your diet. Follow an eating plan designed for those with high blood pressure and heart disease - it may be helpful in preventing strokes.
8. Take calcium and magnesium. These minerals help to control high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for stroke.

Don’t miss next Thursday’s Daily Tip, when we discuss the warning signs of stroke.

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