Having a stroke can be a scary experience that may often require a long recovery time. Once you have had the frightening experience of having a stroke, you will likely do whatever it takes to prevent having another one. There are many simple ways to improve your post stroke health and decrease your chances of having another. Simple changes to your diet, increasing your exercise level, and decreasing some controllable risk factors can help with prevention. While there are no guarantees that you will never have another stroke, adding some simple personal habit changes to the instructions of your doctor can make a world of difference.

Improving your diet and nutrition habits is one of the best ways to maintain your post stroke health. Making a few common sense changes to your eating habits will improve your overall health. Eating the recommended daily amounts of fruits and vegetables will help ensure that your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Eating less fried and fatty foods can help to lower your cholesterol levels. Grilling, broiling, and poaching eggs and meats are wonderful preparation choices. Choose a soft margarine for flavoring and cooking rather than butter or cream cheese. These tips not only decrease your stroke risk, but also can help you to shed a few extra pounds as a bonus.

Exercise to improve your circulation and help control your weight is another helpful hint for improving your after stroke health. Even if you have some stroke related movement issues, there are things you can do to increase your exercise. If you are able, walking is a wonderful way to get exercise. Choose a nice location and find a friend or family member to walk with you for both company and safety. Just stretching your muscles in easier to move parts of your body while watching TV can help to increase circulation and improve muscle tone. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapy program for extra help or look for a program designed to help stroke victims at a community center.

There are many other factors that can contribute to your likelihood of having another stroke. Always take all prescribed medicines to help control health issues. However, you should be certain that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all medications you are taking to prevent adverse reactions between certain drugs that can greatly affect your post stroke health. Of course, quitting smoking and limiting your alcohol intake are always wise choices to decrease your risk of many health problems. Your doctor can advise you on programs to help you kick your bad habits. 

Though there is no foolproof way to guarantee you will never have another stroke, following these tips can decrease your risk and improve your overall post stroke health. Your doctor is your best friend in finding your risk factors and controlling everything you can. Ask friends and family for the help and support you need to get your health where it needs to be. With a little hard work, you can live a healthier, more productive life even after a major stroke.