There are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of stroke;

Limit Stroke Risk with Aerobic Exercise
Thirty minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity, such as a brisk walk, undertaken five days a week, could lower risk of stroke, for both men and women, by up to 40 per cent.
Stroke, which occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, is Australia’s second single greatest killer after Heart Disease, and a leading cause of disability.

Every year Australians suffer 53,000 new and recurrent strokes.

A significant independent link exists between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and nonfatal stroke in women.
Data from a large-scale 30-year study, carried out by the Prevention Research Centre at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health, of over 15,000 women, was gathered and analyzed. During the study period, 171 participating women had strokes.
The study showed that women in the top 25 per cent of CRF (as gauged by a treadmill test at the outset of the study) displayed a 43 per cent lower stroke risk than their counterparts in the lower 25 per cent.
Those in the middle ranges also showed decreased stroke risk; "We found that a low-to-moderate amount of aerobic fitness for women across the whole adult age spectrum would be enough to substantially reduce stroke risk" said Study author Steven Hooker.

Don’t Smoke, Smoking Doubles the Risk of Stroke
Thousands of chemicals in cigarettes cause fatty deposits or plaque to build up in the arteries that carry blood to the brain. This starts early and is evident in smokers in their teens and early twenties.  
The build up of plaque eventually causes blockages or breakages in the arteries, leading to clots
or bleeding in the brain and stroke.

“One of the best ways to reduce your risk of stroke is to quit smoking.” - National Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor

For advice on how you can quit smoking as soon as possible, contact the QUIT line website or call 13 18 48.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol Intake
Excessive amounts of alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. For support in giving up alcohol, visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website .
Risk of stroke may however, be reduced with moderate alcohol intake (1-2 glasses a day).

Control Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the most important known risk factor for stroke.
High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, can result in damage to blood vessel walls eventually leading to a stroke.
You can control your blood pressure by changing your diet and lifestyle, particularly through regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, or your doctor may prescribe medication.
Normal blood pressure is around 120/80; if your blood pressure is consistently over 140/90 you have high blood pressure. The lower your blood pressure, the lower your risk of stroke.

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Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of stroke.
Check your BMI with our Body Mass Index Calculator .
Too much body fat can contribute to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and can lead to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Refer to the Fitness For Females’ Guiltfree Gourmet Guidelines for helpful information on weight management.
If you are unable to maintain your weight within recommended levels, ask a doctor or nutritionist for help.
 
For more information on Stroke Prevention, visit;  www.strokefoundation.com.au