February is American Heart Month, which is a good time for all of us to remember important tips to maximize our heart health. It also is a good time for stroke patients to remember to make a special effort to keep their hearts as healthy as possible. This will help to reduce the chances of more strokes, and will enable them to lead an active and healthier life in the future.

For stroke patients and all Americans, heart disease is a major problem. Each year in the US, 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. And, about 600,000 people die from heart disease every year, which is one out of four deaths. Heart problems are the top cause of death in the US.

Also, heart disease is one of the biggest factors in strokes. As our arteries harden and deposits develop, it is more likely for some of the plaque in the artery to break off and form a blood clot in the brain.

To minimize the chances of future stroke and to keep your heart healthy, please remember the following guidelines:

  • Eat a well balanced diet: Select healthy meal and snack options so that you can reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. Adults should be eating five servings of fresh fruit or vegetables each day.
  • Keep a healthy weight: If you are obese, you greatly increase your risk of heart attack, and consequently, stroke. You should find out what your body mass index (BMI) is so you know whether or not you are categorized as overweight.
  • Exercise: If you have had a stroke, you may not be able to exercise as much as you once did, at least right now. But any type of physical activity is good for you. Just by going for a walk a few times per week, you can lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce your blood pressure
  • Keep an eye on your blood pressure: Many people with hypertension are not aware they have it. So, have it measured regularly.
  • Never smoke: Smoking cigarettes greatly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. If you have had a stroke and still smoke, you should work with your doctor so that you quit as soon as possible.

Helpful Adaptive Cooking Equipment for Stroke Patients

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Mixing Bowl Holder

One way to continue to eat a well balanced meal to prevent heart disease is to continue to cook healthy meals on your own. After your stroke, you may find it more difficult to prepare your own meals. But with these helpful stroke dining aids, you will be able to cook your healthy meals yourself once again:

  • Mixing Bowl Holder: This handy bowl holder will grip your mixing bowl securely so it will not slip on your counter top.
  • Non Skid, No Slip Cutting Board: You can cut and prep fresh fruit and vegetables with one hand with this handy cutting board.

Remember to continue to eat healthy as we outlined above to minimize future health problems with your heart. This way, you will be able to recover from your stroke and live life to the fullest.