FACTS:
There
are about 500,000 strokes per year in the United States U.S. United States
Incidence of Total (First Ever and Recurrent Stroke) Stroke. 1999. Williams, Jiang, et al.
American Heart Association
HOPE:
If you have high blood pressure,
you can often lower it by simply modifying your diet in order to lose weight,
reduce fat intake, and reduce overall calories. Reducing salt intake is
important for some people. These dietary changes, along with a little exercise,
can really help to reduce high blood pressure. Research indicates that women
who walked 2 or 3 hours a week had a 30% lower risk of any type of stroke and
those who usually walked at a brisk pace had a 37% lower risk of any type of
stroke. ( Women’s Health Study published in Stroke:
Journal of the American Heart Association)
If the
blood pressure of the entire population was controlled (regular exercise, a
prudent diet low in fat and high in fruit and vegetables) we would eliminate
246,500 strokes each year. If we all reduced cholesterol levels, we would
eliminate 100,000 strokes. If the entire country stopped smoking, 61,500
strokes would not occur. If we eliminated heavy alcohol use, 23,500 strokes
would be eliminated. The Stroke Network
These
numbers give us an idea of how much we can really do to decrease our stroke
risk. Know what your risk factors are. Do what you can to modify your
lifestyle. Think of the good things that can be done, that can be enjoyable,
and that you can adopt into your day-to-day routines. If you need medications,
don't forget to take them as prescribed. Remember that even small changes can
make big differences.
WHOLENESS:
“…or don’t you know that your body is the temple of
the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not
belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God
with your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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