Peters blog

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• #stroke risk

Minimizing Stroke Risk

Are you at risk for a stroke? You can minimize that risk by managing your controllable risk factors. Controllable risk factors for stroke include:

• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Tobacco Use and Smoking
• Alcohol Use
• Physical Inactivity
• Obesity

But what if you or a loved one have already had a stroke? A recent study found that antioxidants injected into animals seven hours after a stroke minimized damage by as much as forty percent! Researchers found that  antioxidants work by neutralizing the damaging “free radicals” that kill brain cells after a stroke. This research is especially important because getting therapy right after a stroke is critical for minimizing damage. The antioxidants used in the study are synthetic — and not yet available to the public. Studies indicate that antioxidants also help in the fight against diabetes and more research is on the way! Remember, time is vital.  If you think you have had a stroke, see your physician immediately.