Protect Your Brain

Simple, Practical Ways to Lower Your Stroke Risk — From a Survivor Who Knows

Why I’m Sharing This:

I never thought I’d have a stroke. But one moment changed everything. The truth is: most strokes are preventable—and I wish I’d known that before mine.

I’m not writing this to scare you, although a little fear might do us all some good. I’m writing about giving you the tools to protect your brain, your future, and your loved ones. Because if you can avoid going through what I did, honestly, I want that for you with all my heart.

Know Your Numbers

These are the “big four” stroke risk factors—check them regularly and talk to your doctor if you’re having trouble keeping them in healthy ranges for yourself:

1. Blood pressure
2. Cholesterol
3. Blood sugar (glucose)
4. Heart rhythm (especially atrial fibrillation) — I didn’t know I had this until the day AFTER my stroke! But now I take medication to keep it under control.

📝 Tip: Write your numbers down and track them in a notebook or app.

Eat to Protect Your Brain

You don’t need to give up everything you love. Just try to add more of what loves you back:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (like fish, chicken, beans)
• Healthy fats (like olive oil, nuts, and avocado)
• Less salt, sugar, and processed food

📝 Tip: Think “progress,” not perfection.

Move—Even a Little Helps
You don’t need to run marathons. Just move in a way that feels good for you:

Walk around the block

Dance in your kitchen

Do light stretching or yoga

Garden or do light chores

📝 Tip: Start with 10 minutes and build from there.