How to Avoid a Stroke? Simple Habits That Could Save Your Life

Understanding What a Stroke Really Is

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Basically, your brain doesn’t get the oxygen it needs – and brain cells start dying fast. We're talking minutes here.

There are two main types:

• Ischemic stroke (the most common): blood clot blocks a vessel.

• Hemorrhagic stroke: a vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.

And there’s also the so-called “mini-stroke” (aka TIA – transient ischemic attack), which is like a warning sign. Don’t ignore it, ever.

Now, let’s dive into how to avoid all that.

Control the Big 3: Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar

Keep your blood pressure in check

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke. If your BP regularly stays above 140/90, you’re in the danger zone.

• Cut down on salt – yeah, even the "healthy" sea salt.

• Exercise regularly (even brisk walks help).

• If your doc gave you meds… take them. Consistently.

Fun fact (well, not fun): My uncle ignored his BP for years. One day, boom — he had a stroke during breakfast. He survived, thank God, but he still has trouble with speech. Don’t be like him.

Manage your cholesterol

Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) clogs your arteries, including the ones feeding your brain.

• Eat more fiber, less greasy fast food.

• Get your levels checked annually.

• Consider statins if your doctor suggests it.

Watch your blood sugar

Diabetes damages blood vessels over time. Pair it with high BP and… yikes. Bad combo.

• Cut down on sugary snacks and soda.

• Monitor glucose if you're at risk.

• Move your body (again: walking counts!).

Quit Smoking. Seriously. No Joke.

Smoking damages vessels, increases clot risk, and messes with your blood pressure. If you smoke and have any other risk factor, your stroke risk skyrockets.

Yes, quitting is hard. No, patches and gum aren’t magic. But they help.

A friend of mine tried hypnotherapy, weirdly enough – and it worked for her. Whatever works for you, just go for it.

Drink Alcohol... Carefully

Notice we didn’t say “don’t drink.” But excessive alcohol raises blood pressure, and certain strokes are linked to heavy binge drinking.

Keep it moderate:

• One drink a day for women

• Two for men (not giant ones, just regular-sized)

Red wine might help the heart a little. But that’s not a green light to down a bottle every night.

Stay Active – Even a Bit Helps

Physical activity improves almost everything related to stroke prevention: lowers BP, boosts circulation, balances weight.

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

• Hate the gym? Dance in your living room. Garden. Clean like a maniac.

• Just don’t sit all day.

I once started doing 10-minute stretches in the morning during coffee brewing. Doesn't seem like much, but it helped me ditch back pain and get more energy.

Eat Like You Care About Your Brain

Best foods for stroke prevention

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Berries (loaded with antioxidants)

• Fatty fish (omega-3s = brain food)

• Whole grains, nuts, olive oil

Basically: eat like your grandma told you to.

What to cut down

• Processed meats (yep, even bacon… sorry)

• Packaged snacks with tons of sodium

• Sugary cereals and drinks

• Trans fats (read those labels!)

Bonus: Know Your Family History

If strokes run in your family, your personal risk is higher. Don’t panic – just be proactive.

Get regular checkups. Do bloodwork. Ask questions. Knowledge = prevention.

Final Thoughts: It’s Mostly in Your Hands

So, how to avoid a stroke? You don’t need magic. You need:

• Better habits (start small, stick with it)

• Regular checkups (yes, even if you “feel fine”)

• A bit of self-love (your future self will thank you)

No one can eliminate risk 100%, but you can cut it way down. And honestly? That peace of mind is priceless.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.