A person is said to suffer a stroke when a sudden disruption stops the regular blood supply to the brain. The disruption usually occurs when a blood vessel either bursts or gets blocked. Strokes are life threatening conditions that need to be dealt with as soon as possible. While a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the risks of getting a stroke, it is regular exercise that helps prevent strokes in the long run.
Risk Factors associated with Strokes
The chances of suffering from strokes increase with lack of exercise. Some of the other risk factors that are associated with lack of exercise, and can directly and indirectly increase the risks of getting strokes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes and heart related diseases. These factors are controllable, in the sense that one can control them to an extent in order to reduce the chances of getting a stroke. And exercise plays a vital role in controlling all these factors.
Recommended Exercises for the prevention of Strokes
Aerobic Exercises
Almost every kind of aerobic exercise would deepen the breathing and increase the heart rate. This is achieved by activating the larger muscles present in the hip, arms and legs. While the short term benefits of aerobic exercise include an increase in the supply of oxygen rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body, the long term benefits of these exercises would include a stronger heart, improvement in the efficiency of blood –pumping and reduction of normal heart rate, thereby preventing activity-related strokes.
Moderate – Intense Exercises
An individual is required to follow at least a 30 minute aerobic session of moderate-intense exercises at least 4 days every week in order to remain safe from strokes. Sporting activities and general exercises usually fall into this category, including brisk walks, bicycling (on level ground), tennis and water aerobics etc. These exercises and activities would strengthen the heart and keep the heart rate under control, thereby preventing strokes in the long run.
Pointers to be noted
Although aerobic exercises in general help to prevent strokes, it is considered wise to consult with a doctor or physician before opting for any particular exercise routine. Individuals who find it hard to exercise continuously for 30 minutes or more every day can opt to divide their exercise schedule into three 10 minute segments, with adequate intervals in between. And while walking and cycling can be considered as good exercises to prevent strokes, activities like climbing stairs and cutting the grass can also be included for additional benefits.
Summary
One in every ten individuals suffer from stroke every year, with most of them not even knowing that they had just suffered a stroke. Strokes can turn deadly for an individual, which is why it is considered wise to opt for these exercises in order to stay safe from the condition and its after effects.
