Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of disability in this country. And, by far, the most significant risk factor that can be controlled in preventing strokes is high blood pressure.

The National Stroke Association tells us by lowering blood pressure below 140 / 90, the risk of stroke can be reduced by 42 percent.

High cholesterol is another risk factor capable of being controlled. Cholesterol level can be improved with medications called statins. Within five years of beginning use of a statin drug, the risk of stroke and mini-strokes has been shown to be reduced by 32 percent.

Heart rhythm, too, needs to be evaluated. A disturbance of that rhythm, called atrial fibrillation, is a major risk factor for stroke. The odds of getting a stroke increase dramatically if such a condition is not treated with one or more medications.

Clot-prevention medicine (known as antiplatelets) may also be employed since all strokes begin as a clot somewhere in the body. The most common of these medicines is aspirin.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that eating a healthy diet goes a long way to preventing a stroke. The study recommended the usual cast of characters: eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting salt intake, lowering calories, eating fish, taking a multivitamin (with folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12) and avoiding foods with saturated fats and trans-fats.

No one recommends anyone start drinking alcohol. However, for light-to-moderate drinkers, alcohol has been shown to have a protective effect against stroke. Two drinks a day for a man and one for a woman is the suggested limit.

Exercise at a moderately intense level is also recommended. Studies have consistently shown a lowering of risk for stroke in both men and women by as much as 20 percent.

And, of course, the most nonsensical habit on the planet - smoking - must be stopped immediately. I am an ex-smoker. I know first-hand how hard it is to quit. And I can tell you the exact date, time and place that I quit. It's the single best thing I or any other smoker can do to increase the odds of avoiding a stroke and a host of other medical conditions.

KSHB: News