Summer is here, and that means fresh air, sunshine, and time to play outside! But did you know that spending time outdoors doing activities isn’t just fun – it can also help protect you from having a stroke? 

What Is a Stroke? 

A stroke happens when blood can’t get to part of your brain. This is very serious and can hurt or kill brain cells. Every year, almost 800,000 Americans have strokes, making it the fifth biggest cause of death in our country. 

But here’s some good news: 80% of strokes can be prevented! Taking care of your heart and blood vessels can lower your chances of having a stroke. 

Why Is Going Outside Good for You? 

Lacey Frick is a nurse who helps people who have had strokes. She says exercising outside is a great way to be more active and lower your stroke risk. 

Sunlight is especially helpful for people who have already had a stroke because it can make them feel happier and less sad. 

“Having a stroke changes your whole life,” Frick said. “For people who have been badly affected, their life may not look the same anymore.” 

How to Safely Exercise Outside 

If you’re healthy enough to start exercising, walking is a perfect way to begin. Here are five tips to help you safely get outside and move around: 

1. Watch Out for Hot Weather 

Hot summer days feel nice, but very high temperatures can stress out your body. Try to go outside before 10 in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon when it’s cooler. This will also help you not get dehydrated (when your body doesn’t have enough water). 

You can use a small fan, put a cool washcloth on your neck, or bring a spray bottle with water to cool down if you need to. 

2. Walk for 10 Minutes in a Row 

“Walking for just 10 minutes in a row each day can lower the amount of sugar in your blood,” Frick said. “Having less sugar in your blood is better and lowers your risk of diabetes and other things that can cause strokes.” 

Other types of exercise are also good if you and your doctor think you’re ready for them. If it’s too hot to walk outside, you can walk inside a mall or other place with air conditioning. Sports like tennis, pickleball, bike riding, or basketball are also great if you’re fit enough. 

3. Check How Your Medicine Reacts to Heat 

Some medicines can cause worse side effects or might not work as well when it’s very hot outside. Some of these side effects could be sweating too much or not being able to control your body temperature, which can make you overheat. 

4. Drink Water Early and Often 

Drink more water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Sweating a lot can make you dehydrated, and feeling thirsty isn’t the only sign you need water. Try not to drink sugary drinks or alcohol, and don’t eat foods with lots of salt, because these can make dehydration worse. 

5. Tell Someone Where You’re Going 

Let a friend or family member know when and where you’re going to exercise. If you have a stroke while you’re out, getting help quickly can make a huge difference. Every second counts when it comes to protecting your brain. 

How to Spot a Stroke: BEFAST 

If you think someone is having a stroke, remember the word “BEFAST”: 

• Balance problems (trouble walking or staying balanced) 

• Eye movement problems (trouble seeing) 

• Facial drooping (one side of the face droops down) 

• Arm weakness (one arm feels weak or numb) 

• Slurred or confused speech (trouble talking or understanding) 

• Time – call 911 right away! 

The Bottom Line 

Going outside and being active is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and prevent strokes. Just remember to be safe in the heat, drink plenty of water, and let someone know where you’re going. 

Your brain and body will thank you! 

Original article: “The outdoors is calling—head outside to reduce stroke risk” by Pennsylvania State University