Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Spring 2020

Be smart In the next 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. will have a stroke. But chances are that stroke—which might be deadly or cause a severe and lasting disability—didn’t have to happen. That’s because strokes are largely preventable with lifestyle changes and other safeguards that decrease your stroke risk. It’s true that you can’t control every risk factor that heightens the chance of a stroke, such as a family history of stroke or simply growing older. ATHEROSCLEROSIS. Jeffery Ford, MD, tells us that this is the buildup of plaque in your arteries—especially the carotid arteries in your neck—and can bring on a stroke. TAKE CHARGE: Some of the same steps that keep blood pressure in a healthy range can also help keep plaque from clogging your arteries. Among them: sticking to a well-balanced, reduced-sodium diet; maintaining a healthy weight; and being more physically active. Do you smoke? Then talk to your doctor about products and programs that can help you quit. Lighting up damages your blood vessels and raises your atherosclerosis risk. Unhealthy cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis. So if your levels aren’t good, your doctor may prescribe medication to control or lower your cholesterol. Be sure to fol- low your doctor’s orders for taking the medication. stroke ? ! HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF STROKES. Your primary care provider can help you stay well. You can find a provider at myarborhealth.org . Jeffery Ford, MD Emergency Department Director What you can do to control three major risk factors We asked three of our Emergency Department physicians for advice on avoiding stroke. MYARBORHEALTH.ORG 3