Health Tips: As soon as summer ends, the winter season begins. Now that the month of November has arrived. Little by little the pink cold began to hit us. This season is considered very good for eating, drinking and sunbathing, hence people look forward to it. But the cold also brings with it many serious illnesses. Stroke is also one of them. Let us tell you that due to the cold the blood circulation is not adequate so the blood starts to clot. In such a situation, blood does not reach the brain, so the brain tissues do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Because of this, brain cells begin to weaken, which can lead to a stroke. We tell you how to protect yourself from this…
There may be several reasons for an increased risk of stroke in winter:
- Blood thickening: Blood becomes thick due to cold in winter. This increases the chance of blood clots forming and blood vessels in the brain may become blocked.
- Contraction of arteries- Arteries shrink in winter, thus blood pressure increases. This increases the risk of blood clotting or rupture of the arteries.
- Bad lifestyle: Physical activity is reduced in winter and people eat more high-calorie foods. This increases weight and also increases blood pressure and bad cholesterol.
- Flu-like infections: The rate of flu-like respiratory infections increases in winter. These infections cause inflammation, which increases pressure on the blood vessels.
- Pollution: PM 2.5 present in large quantities in the air affects the heart’s ability to pump blood, increasing the risk of stroke.
These measures can be taken to avoid stroke:
- Improve diet: Eat a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and healthy fats. Reduce saturated fat, trans fat and salt.
- Do physical activity – Do two and a half hours of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity once a week. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling are moderate-intensity activities.
- Stop smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of having a stroke.
- Reduce or stop alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol excessively can cause hypertension, which increases the risk of stroke.
- Keep your weight under control: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of having a stroke.
- Monitor blood pressure and blood sugar- Monitor blood sugar and blood pressure regularly.
- Get enough sleep: Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Sleeping less increases your risk of having a stroke.
- Consult a doctor: heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure…
