Over the last year, I have written several blogs on aging in place for older adults and their caregivers.  Today, in honor of Stroke Awareness month (April), I wanted to raise your awareness about this concern, which is a preventable health issue. I recently attended an educational session on stroke prevention and would like to share the National Stroke Association’s efforts to educate the public on recognizing stroke symptoms.  Most of us think of stroke as a disease of old age – one that is debilitating and causes lasting disabilities. But it can strike at any age. 

Did you know that 80% of strokes are preventable and that by acting in time, the long term of effects of strokes could be minimized?

Here are some simple tips to follow to prevent a stroke: 

  • Know your blood pressure.      
  • If it’s high, work with your doctor to lower it.
  • Find out from your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation
  • If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  • Find out if you have high cholesterol. If so, work with your doctor to control it.
  • If you are diabetic, follow your health care provider's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
  • Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
  • Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.


Look for my next blog entry, where I’ll share with you an easy-to-remember way to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.  This is important for caregivers, aging adults, grandchildren – everyone should be able to recognize stroke symptoms so that quick action can be taken.