Stroke
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
Smoking is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke.81,82,83 Even secondhand smoke puts nonsmokers at increased risk.84
Exercise reduces the risk of stroke according to most,85,86,87,88 though not all,89 studies. The benefits of exercise are probably due to its effects on body weight, blood pressure, and glucose tolerance.
Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of stroke in most studies.90,88 Excess abdominal fat appears to be more directly linked to increased risk of stroke, compared with fat accumulation in the thighs and buttocks.92,93,94 While losing weight and keeping it off is difficult for most people, normalizing weight with a healthful diet and exercise program is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of many diseases, including stroke.