In this article

Diet

Exercise

Lifestyle

Regular physical activity helps improve the condition of the heart, enhances circulation, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and helps to keep weight down, helping reduce the risk of stroke. It can also help you feel more energetic and cheerful.

You don't have to join a gym. The most important kind of exercise, aerobic - the kind that gets your heart beating faster, makes you sweat and leaves you slightly out of breath - can be achieved by simply adjusting your daily routine. Walking to the shops, using the stairs instead of the lift, getting off the bus a stop earlier and going for a longer brisk walk at weekends can all improve your aerobic capacity.

If you want to take it a step further you might like to take up an activity you enjoy, such as tennis, dance classes, cycling or swimming.

If a stroke has affected your mobility, your doctor or physiotherapist can help devise a suitable activity plan.

Exercise checklist

Do:

• Check with your doctor before starting an exercise programme.
• Aim to do some form of aerobic exercise every day.
• Choose exercise suitable to your level - your doctor, physiotherapist or fitness trainer can advise.
• Try to do 30 minutes of moderately intensive exercise on at least five days a week.
• Choose an activity you enjoy - you're more likely to keep it up.

Don't:

• Overdo it - small regular amounts are best. Remember, just 20 minutes walking a day reduces the risk of stroke.
• Exercise if you feel unwell or have an infection.
• Continue exercising if you feel pain, dizzy, sick or tired.