Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1546192
6 Sickle cell disease This is a treatable genetic disorder mainly affecting those from African-American and Hispanic descent. "Sickled" red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen to the body 's tissues and organs. They also stick to blood vessel wall, which can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and cause stroke. If you have sickle cell disease, work with your doctor to manage the disease and reduce your risk for stroke. Smoking If you smoke, take steps to stop. Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. The use of birth control pills combined with cigarette smoking can greatly increase the risk of stroke. If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will immediately begin to drop. Within five years of quitting, your stroke risk may be the same as that of someone who never smoked. Excess alcohol intake If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Drinking a glass of wine, beer or one mixed drink each day may lower your risk for stroke, provided there is no other medical reason that you should not drink alcohol. Heavy drinking can actually increase your risk for stroke. Remember alcohol is a drug; it can interact with other drugs you are taking, and alcohol is harmful if you drink too much. If you do not drink, don't start. High cholesterol Know your cholesterol number. If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol (a fat-like substance in your blood) may reduce your risk for stroke. Having high cholesterol puts you at greater risk for heart disease, which can increase your stroke risk. Combined HDL and LDL cholesterol should fall below 200. Often, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; however, some people may need medicine. Diabetes If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's advice to get your blood sugar level under control. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin (Type 1) or the cells ignore the insulin (Type 2). Without insulin, the body can't process sugar, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke. Your doctor can suggest healthy meals, exercise and medicine that can help control your diabetes.