HOW TO PREVENT YOUR STROKE

Straightforward advice, plus insights into advances in pre-stroke treatment.

With the aging population of the U.S. and Canada, the number of strokes are expected to increase dramatically in the next decade. Spence looks to ignite a grassroots interest in what will soon be a medical condition touching many of us, whether as a victim or a caregiver. But the author isn't interested in frightening the reader; rather, he's here to explain how to alter your behavior to prevent strokes. Start, he says, by learning about the risks to which you may be susceptible. Then you can take advantage of new medical treatments, including arterial surgery and prescription drugs. Though medicine will certainly help, behavior-alteration is of paramount importance: exercise; quit smoking; control blood pressure and lower cholesterol; make olive oil, fruits, vegetables and whole grains a large part of your diet (the author includes recipes).

A sensible guide to stroke prevention.