Making lifestyle changes can protect our brains and reduce the risk of a having a stroke by more than 80%¹ and a recurrent stroke by up to 80%². Getting more physical activity, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake and eating a healthy, balanced diet can all lower your stroke risk^1,2,3,4 .

Clinicians and medical practitioners also have a vital role to play. They will prescribe the best prevention programme (this could be through detection of risk factors or through preventive medicine). They will also ensure that stroke survivors get the support they need to follow to the programme that has been prescribed. Survivors with physical and mental symptoms from their stroke may need extra support. Regular post-stroke reviews and check-ups are very important, especially as many stroke survivors feel they do not get the support they need to stay healthy⁵.

Reducing the risk of further stroke often falls heavily on the stroke survivor. Given the many changes these survivors are already facing⁵ sticking to lifestyle changes can be a significant challenge for many without support⁶. Support services may be available in your country to help you make these changes⁷.

More information on what lifestyle changes are important and how you might make them can be found here.