Lifestyle Factors
Risk factor control to prevent a first stroke (primary prevention)
| Lifestyle Related Factors |
Recommendations |
| Cigarette Smoking |
• Counseling to help patient stop smoking; smoking cessation programs; nicotine replacement |
|
Physical
|
• Exercise: at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk activity 3-4 times per week; modifications geared toward medical and physical condition of patient. There seems to be some additional benefit from 60 minutes of exercise most days. |
| Excessive Alcohol Use |
• Counseling to reduce alcohol consumption to an average of 1 drink/day (women) or 2 drinks/day (men) and to stop binge drinking; cessation programs if needed |
| Obesity/ Overweight |
• Diet and exercise aimed at reducing weight to achieve a body mass index of less than 25 (25 to less than 30 is 'overweight'; 30 or more is 'obese') |