Regular Exercise Can Significantly Reduce Stroke Recurrence Risk

Regular exercise can significantly lower the risk of stroke recurrence for survivors, according to Dr. Marijanty Learny Vera T, a neurologist at RSUD Pasar Minggu. She emphasized that a million stroke cases annually are linked to insufficient physical activity, and engaging in the recommended amount of exercise each week can greatly reduce the risk.

Exercise for Stroke Prevention and Recovery

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally, but many cases are preventable by addressing key risk factors like physical inactivity. Dr. Marijanty advises that even just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce stroke risk by 25%. She recommends aiming for at least 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise every week, which can be broken down into 30-minute sessions five days a week.

Simple daily activities like walking instead of driving, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening, and doing housework contribute to overall health and reduce stroke risk. For those struggling to find time for a full 30-minute workout, Dr. Marijanty suggests dividing the exercise into 10-minute blocks throughout the day and gradually increasing the duration over time.

Even stroke survivors benefit greatly from regular exercise. It helps prevent dementia, aids in recovery, combats fatigue, and improves overall well-being. If your mobility is affected by stroke, a physical therapist or occupational therapist can help you find suitable exercises.

Understanding Stroke and Its Symptoms

It’s crucial to understand that stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot or a ruptured artery. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for timely intervention. These symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision disturbances, dizziness, loss of balance, headache, numbness or tingling, and difficulty swallowing.

Dr. Marijanty reminds us that one in four people is at risk of stroke in their lifetime. However, with simple preventative measures, most strokes can be avoided.