## Bad Summer Habits That Can Lead to Strokes
Not Drinking Enough Water or Drinking Incorrectly
During the summer, the body loses water quickly through sweating. If you don’t replenish the necessary amount of water, your blood will become more concentrated, increasing pressure on your circulatory system and raising the risk of blood clots, a frequent cause of strokes.
Many people only drink when they feel thirsty or consume a large amount at once, which doesn’t help the body absorb and utilize water effectively. Instead, it’s better to spread out your water intake evenly throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
Rushing to Take a Bath After Sun Exposure
After spending time outdoors, many people have the habit of bathing immediately to cool down. However, at this point, the body’s temperature is still high, and sudden exposure to cold water can cause blood vessels to contract rapidly, leading to heat shock, circulatory disorders, and, in more severe cases, a stroke.
It’s best to rest in a cool place for about 15-20 minutes, wipe your body with a damp towel, or bathe with slightly cool water after your body temperature has lowered.
Spending Too Much Time in a Cold Air-Conditioned Room
It may seem harmless, but sitting continuously in an air-conditioned environment below 25°C can cause heat shock when you step out into the hot sun. The sudden temperature change causes abnormal blood vessel dilation, increasing the risk of high blood pressure or stroke, especially in the elderly.
Ideally, keep the air conditioner set to 26-28°C and open the windows for a few hours each day to let in fresh air and give your body a break from the artificial environment.
Consuming Too Much Salt or Processed Food
Salt is a factor that increases blood pressure—a dangerous accomplice in stroke cases. Pickled, canned, and instant foods like ramen are high in sodium and, when consumed regularly, can damage your blood vessels over time.
In the summer, instead of reaching for salty snacks, opt for green vegetables, light soups, and water-rich fruits like watermelon, oranges, and grapefruit, which help cool you down and are good for your cardiovascular health.
Drinking Strong Coffee or Tea in the Afternoon
While caffeine can help you stay alert, consuming it in the afternoon or evening during hot weather can lead to dehydration, stimulate a rapid heartbeat, and cause blood vessel constriction. This is especially dangerous for individuals with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
If you need a pick-me-up, try herbal infusions like artichoke tea or lemongrass water, or simply opt for a glass of diluted lemonade—a safer and more refreshing choice.
Ignoring Abnormal Body Signals
Dizziness, headaches, rapid heartbeat, and feelings of faintness in hot weather are often overlooked as mere tiredness. However, these could be the first signals from your body about heat-related imbalances or blood pressure issues.
Especially for the elderly, outdoor workers, or those with pre-existing conditions, it’s crucial to monitor blood pressure regularly. If you experience any persistent abnormal symptoms, rest and seek medical attention immediately.
Summer is not just a season for sunny days and vacations; it’s also a time to pay extra attention to your health. Strokes don’t always happen suddenly—sometimes, they’re the result of seemingly harmless daily habits.
Making small changes in your hydration, diet, and daily routines, along with paying closer attention to your body’s signals, can significantly contribute to preventing unnecessary health risks for yourself and your loved ones.
