Most people I know have been affected by stroke, one way or another.

My own grandmother died of a stroke and my mother from a brain haemorrhage, so it’s important to know how best to prevent having one.

World Stroke Week is between 28 October and 3 November and World Stroke Day is on 29 October, so it’s the perfect time to talk about stroke prevention. With one in four people worldwide expected to experience a stroke in their lifetime, it’s never been more important to take proactive steps to safeguard your health.

In South Africa, strokes continue to affect thousands of lives. But here’s the good news: up to 80% of strokes are preventable through small, sustainable lifestyle changes. 

Here are five simple, actionable ways you can reduce your risk of stroke, starting today.