## Bad Summer Habits That Can Lead to Strokes
Not Drinking Enough Water or Drinking Incorrectly
During summer, the body loses water quickly through sweating. If you don’t replenish the necessary amount of water, your blood becomes more concentrated, increasing pressure on the circulatory system and thus, 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 advisable to spread your water intake evenly throughout the day, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
Rushing to Take a Bath After Sun Exposure
After outdoor activities, many people have the habit of taking a bath immediately to cool down. However, at this point, the body’s temperature is still high, and sudden exposure to cold water causes blood vessels to contract rapidly, which can lead to heat shock, circulatory disorders, and the risk of a stroke.
It’s best to rest in a cool place for about 15-20 minutes, wipe your body with a damp towel, or take a slightly cool shower after your body temperature has lowered.
Spending Too Much Time in Air-Conditioned Rooms
It may seem harmless, but continuously sitting in an air-conditioned environment below 25 degrees Celsius can cause heat shock when you step out into the hot weather. The sudden temperature change causes abnormal blood vessel dilation, increasing the risk of high blood pressure or a stroke, especially in the elderly.
Ideally, keep the air conditioner set at 26-28 degrees Celsius and ventilate the room for a few hours daily to allow your body to breathe natural air.
Consuming Excessive Salt or Processed Foods
Salt is a factor that increases blood pressure – a dangerous “accomplice” in stroke cases. Pickled, canned, and instant foods like ramen contain large amounts of sodium, which, when consumed regularly, can damage blood vessels over time.
In the summer, instead of eating salty foods, opt for green vegetables, light soups, and watery fruits like watermelon, oranges, and grapefruit, which help cool the body down and are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Drinking Strong Coffee or Tea in the Afternoon
Caffeine can help you stay alert, but when consumed during noon or afternoon in hot weather, it causes dehydration, stimulates a faster heart rate, and constricts blood vessels. This is especially dangerous for individuals with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
If you need a pick-me-up, opt for herbal infusions like artichoke tea or lemongrass water, or simply a glass of diluted lemonade – a safer and detoxifying option.
Ignoring Abnormal Body Signals
Dizziness, headaches, rapid heart rate, or feeling faint in hot weather are often overlooked as mere tiredness. However, these could be the first signals from your body about heat imbalance 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 of sunshine and vacations, but it’s also a time to pay extra attention to your health. Strokes don’t always happen suddenly – sometimes, they are the consequence of seemingly harmless daily habits.
Making small changes in your water intake, diet, and daily routines, along with paying closer attention to your body’s signals, can significantly contribute to preventing potential health risks for yourself and your family.
