Protect yourself against a stroke

Health experts are cautioning that a stroke is the #1 cause of disability for women over age 55— but they also have good news: Adding a few little tricks to a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower your risk of these “brain attacks.” In fact, researchers say it’s possible to virtually eliminate your stroke risk just by… Reaching for EVOO

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a health hero! According to French research published in the journal Neurology, adding 2 Tbs. to 3 Tbs. of EVOO to your daily diet—ideally, in place of other fats— could make your stroke risk plunge by as much as 73%. Explains study co-author Cathy Feart, PH.D., oleic acid (a key compound in olive oil) stops blood cells from sticking together to ward off the clots that can lead to a stroke.

Cherishing photos

Remember that time when? Spend 30 minutes looking through photos with loved ones, and your blood pressure could drop six points. Do it weekly, and your stroke risk will drop 45%, say Mayo Clinic researchers. Recalling happy memories relaxes and opens the arteries that nourish your heart and your brain.

Finding ways to LOL

Laughter really is good medicine! Japanese researchers reporting in the Journal of

Epidemiology found Lol’ing can lower risk of ever having a stroke 37%. Study co-author Kei Hayashi, PH.D., says laughter relaxes and opens arteries, improving the flow of oxygenrich blood to brain cells.

Getting more Zzzs

A surprising stroke trigger? Sleep deprivation, say University of Alabama researchers. The body repairs worn blood vessels and clears away brain-harming plaque while you snooze. Get an extra 20 minutes, and your stroke risk can drop as much as 35%.