Health

Understanding the 40% increase of strokes during holidays

Discover the reasons why stroke rates increase by 40% during the holiday season and learn ways to reduce your risk of stroke this holiday by warrenstevenson
Estimated reading time: 3 min 16 sec
Understanding the 40% increase of strokes during holidays Photo by Inga Seliverstova on Pexels

The holiday season is an exciting time for many people. Families come together to celebrate, bond, and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, there is a downside to the holidays that many people are not aware of.

According to research, the number of strokes increases by 40% during the holiday season. This is a staggering statistic and it begs the question, why does this happen?.

What is a Stroke?

Before we dive into why stroke rates increase during the holidays, let us first understand what a stroke is. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either by a blood clot or by a ruptured blood vessel.

Without blood, the brain cells start to die, which can lead to brain damage and even death.

The Causes of Stroke

There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of stroke. These include age, family history of stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity.

Related Article The holiday stroke risk: warning signs to watch for The holiday stroke risk: warning signs to watch for

While some of these factors cannot be changed, there are others that can be managed, such as high blood pressure and smoking.

Why Strokes Increase During the Holidays

Now that we know what a stroke is and what causes it, let us delve into why stroke rates increase during the holiday season. According to researchers, there are several factors that contribute to this increase:.

  • Changes in Diet: During the holidays, people tend to indulge in high-fat and high-sugar foods, which can lead to weight gain and an increase in cholesterol levels. This, in turn, can lead to an increased risk of stroke.
  • Increase in Alcohol Consumption: Many people drink alcohol during the holidays, either to celebrate or to cope with stress. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for stroke.
  • Stress and Anxiety: For some people, the holidays can be a stressful and anxious time, particularly if they are worried about finances or family dynamics. This stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which, as we’ve mentioned, is a major risk factor for stroke.
  • Lack of Exercise: Many people are so busy during the holidays that they neglect their exercise routine. This lack of physical activity can lead to an increase in weight and a decrease in overall cardiovascular health, both of which can contribute to a higher risk of stroke.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke During the Holidays

Now that we know why stroke rates increase during the holiday season, let us look at some ways to reduce your risk:.

  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: While it’s okay to indulge in holiday treats, it’s important to do so in moderation. Make sure that you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoiding foods that are high in fat and sugar.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to drink during the holidays, do so in moderation. The National Stroke Association recommends no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
  • Reduce Stress and Anxiety: The holidays can be a stressful time, but it’s important to find ways to manage your stress. Some ideas include deep breathing, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Stay Active: Even if you are busy during the holidays, it’s important to make time for physical activity. This can be as simple as taking a walk or doing some stretches at home.
  • Manage Your Health Conditions: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health conditions that increase your risk of stroke, make sure that you are following your doctor’s recommendations for managing these conditions.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy, but it’s important to remember that it can also be a time of increased risk for stroke.

By understanding the risk factors and taking steps to reduce your risk, you can enjoy the holidays while safeguarding your health.

Disclaimer: This article serves as general information and should not be considered medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Individual circumstances may vary.

Follow us on Google News

Stay informed on the latest news and trends in the healthcare industry.

Follow
Also check Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Risk factors for maternal mortality during pregnancy Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Do you tire easily? Know your risk for heart disease and stroke Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? Is Bacon a Major Contributor to Bowel Cancer? How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you How likely is depression in 15-year-olds? This tool will tell you Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Does Sugar Increase the Risk of Dementia? Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Examining the Fundamental Differences between Male and Female Heart Attacks Female-specific risk factors for asthma Female-specific risk factors for asthma The link between stretch marks and cancer The link between stretch marks and cancer The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Symptoms & Risk Factors Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Risk of thrombosis remains high after coronary infection Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Minimizing the Risk of Osteoporosis: Factors to Consider Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults. Every year, osteoporosis claims the lives of many older adults. Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer Research findings show possible connection between birth control pills and breast cancer The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk The Anonymous Hazard That Puts Our Hearts at Risk Is Your Teenager at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Is Your Teenager at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes? The correlation between walking pace and stroke and heart attack The correlation between walking pace and stroke and heart attack Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Risk Factors Exploring the Connection Between Diabetes and Risk Factors Blood type and erectile dysfunction risk: What’s the link? Blood type and erectile dysfunction risk: What’s the link? Can these 5 questions predict Alzheimer’s? Can these 5 questions predict Alzheimer’s? The Hidden Link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease The Hidden Link between Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease How often should a child’s hearing be tested? How often should a child’s hearing be tested? Preventing Alzheimer’s: How Early Should You Start? Preventing Alzheimer’s: How Early Should You Start? Steaming Ahead: A New Threat to Diabetes Prevention Steaming Ahead: A New Threat to Diabetes Prevention How likely are you to develop high blood pressure? How likely are you to develop high blood pressure? Completed 5-year study on cardiovascular disease in Elafonissos under PERSEAS program Completed 5-year study on cardiovascular disease in Elafonissos under PERSEAS program Understanding the Global Impact of COPD Understanding the Global Impact of COPD Postpartum depression predictor test for new mothers Postpartum depression predictor test for new mothers The 42% solution: Easy everyday tips to avoid heart failure The 42% solution: Easy everyday tips to avoid heart failure What puts you at risk for a repeat infarction? What puts you at risk for a repeat infarction?
To top