Another reason to exercise: It lowers your risk of stroke

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stroke is the third leading cause of death and a major cause of serious disability. Age is the greatest risk factor for stroke. After age 55, the risk of stroke doubles every ten years. But, exercise lowers your risk of stroke, as do other healthy behaviors.

To lower your risk of stroke, the National Institute on Aging advises that you check your blood pressure and cholesterol and treat them if they are high. High blood pressure can double or quadruple your risk of stroke. To lower your blood pressure, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and other food that is low in cholesterol and saturated fats; eat less salt; and, don’t smoke.  (Medicare covers smoking-cessation counseling as well as nutrition counseling.)

Also, exercise!  You can take a brisk walk several times a week, ideally for at least 20 minutes every day, or swim or ride a bike.  According to the NIH, you might want to try these balancing exercises, as well. It all helps.

If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Even if you lose only a small amount of weight, it can seriously decrease your risk of stroke. Harvard Health recommends that you limit your daily calorie intake to less than 2,000 and exercise more.

For more information from the NIH on how to get started exercising and the kinds of exercise you might try, click here.

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