Search
-
How to Safely Give Children Over-the-Counter Medications
How can you ensure youâre giving your children safe doses of over-the-counter medications? The safest bet: Confirming dosages and recommendations with your doctor. With that in mind, here are a few answers to basic questions about OTC medications and children. Itâs cold and flu season in Northern Nevada. This means youâll find parents in the aisles of practically every drug store, wondering what will and will not work for their sick children. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications â and their dosages, side effects, interactions and more â can inspire abundant anxiety for parents. At the outset, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers the following warning about use of medicines for cough and colds in children:  The FDA doesnât recommend over-the-counter medicines for cough and cold symptoms in children younger than 2 years old. Prescription cough medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are not indicated for use in children younger than 18 years old. Codeine and hydrocodone are opioids that are available in combination with other medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, in prescription medicines to treat cough and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold for adults. Caregivers should also read labels on OTC cough and cold products, because some might contain codeine. So how can you feel comfortable administering any OTC medication to your children? The short answer is: Check with a doctor first. And with that in mind, here are a few common questions and answers from Kristin L. Wilson, MD, of Renown Pediatrics about children and OTC medications. Please talk about the importance of correct dosage of pediatric medications. Pediatric dosing is weight-based and unique to each medicine (and sometimes even the circumstance you are treating.) Therefore, there are no standardizations of âsafeâ amounts that apply to all medications. What are signs of an overdose of pediatric medications? Signs of intoxication/overdose are also unique to each medication and supplement. And to make it more confusing, mixing current prescriptions with various supplements or over-the-counter medications can cause significant adverse effects as well. Is there an age at which children take adult over-the-counter medications? Infants through adolescents can take medications that are also prescribed to adults, but only under a healthcare providerâs careful guidance. Dosing is determined by various factors dependent on childâs age and also medical history, as above. What is the takeaway about administering medications to children? When in doubt, ask a healthcare professional whether a medication or supplement is safe for your child based on his/her age and medical history as well as recommended dosing based on recent weights and other vital signs.
Read More About How to Safely Give Children Over-the-Counter Medications
-
Stroke Survival as a Warrior â Kimi's Story
It seemed like a normal Wednesday, except Kimi Woolsey was feeling really stressed. On Sept. 4, 2019 she was rushing to get ready for an appointment when suddenly, she could not feel her legs. Kimi immediately knew something was wrong and called out to her fiancĂŠ, Paul, for help. After seeing a bright light in her right eye, she felt a severe, sharp pain in her head traveling down into her leg. Paul quickly called 911, the EMTâs arrived and her stroke survival journey began. At first the medical team thought she had a complicated migraine, but one of them suspected a stroke. On the way to the hospital Kimi felt numbness and her face drooping, then instantly, no pain. For a moment she thought she was dying, going from pain to numbness and realizing she couldnât move or speak. Kimi didnât know she was having another massive stroke in transit. Each year nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. suffer a stroke, or âbrain attackâ â thatâs one every 40 seconds. Of those, about 75% occur in people over age 65. However, at only 45 years old, Kimi is proof that a stroke can happen at any age. Stroke Survival Begins for Kimi Upon arriving at the emergency department of Renown Regional Medical Center the Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center team went into action. Kimi received a brain MRI, then was wheeled into surgery for a thrombectomy (clot removal). She was in the intensive care unit for 11 days. She remembers someone telling her, âGenerally people donât survive this magnitude of stroke.â And a doctor saying, âYou are here for a reason.â Kimiâs comeback journey began with the comprehensive care team at Renown Rehabilitation Hospital. âLiterally I had the best day of my life that first day thereâŚI was so happy because I couldnât imagine being in a safer place with people that literally live for you,â she recalls. During her 41 days there, her biggest milestone was being able to get out of bed and walk. For Kimi the support she felt at the rehab hospital was key to her progress, âI still feel loved and appreciated and theyâre rooting for me still and I can feel it.â Although she left the rehab hospital on Oct. 18, 2019, she is still working on improving the left side of her body. Currently Kimi works with therapists in outpatient physical rehabilitation sessions, continuing to see improvement in both her hand and leg. Her advice to those currently in a rehab hospital setting is, âStay as long as you can to get the most out of it and push, push, push.â Kimiâs Stroke Survival as a Warrior âHaving a stroke is not for the faint of heart,â says Kimi. She experienced despair and felt discouraged. Many days she would ask herself, âWhy am I here?â Today she proudly calls herself a stroke warrior and refuses to be a victim of her stroke. Alongside her tenacious spirit, Kimi actively helps others on their stroke survival journey. Before her stroke she never dreamed of starting a non-profit foundation. Now, each day youâll find her texting inspiration to others, offering advice and connecting with other struggling stroke survivors on her Facebook page, Stroke Warrior Recovery Coach. Her goal is to become the person she needed to talk to after her stroke; she currently coaches several stroke survivors. âStroke survivors need to know that they arenât alone. Mental support and encouragement are so important for each personâs stroke journey,â Kimi said. Along with the physical changes, Kimi feels the stroke magnified her empathy. âI was always in a hurry in my life. People didnât go fast enough for me â on the road, at the grocery store, in a line. Now I have more patience with myself and others." Kimi realizes most people cannot wrap their brain around the concept of a stroke. In fact, the brain fog, physical challenges and frustration are hard to explain⌠unless youâve experienced them. âYou need to find your tribe,â she explains. âI have a passion for helping people through this process.â Most of all, she encourages people to keep going and never stop. After her stroke, Kimi has a greater appreciation for her family, health and life. She is one of the patients featured in the current âFight The Good Fightâ trauma and physical rehab advertising campaign. âI wake up every day and fight,â she asserts. âEach day you have to fight for your recovery and fight for yourself.â
Read More About Stroke Survival as a Warrior â Kimi's Story
-
Panda Cares Center of Hope at Renown Children's Hospital
When you have an ill child in the hospital, it is a stressful event. And Panda Express is helping local families support children who need special care. Their generous donation provides much-needed equipment, programs, and resources via the new Panda Cares Center of Hope, Renown Childrenâs Specialty Center. Their partnership directly benefits patients and their families! The âPanda Cares Center of Hope, Renownâs Childrenâs Specialty Centerâ In fact, this new center provides care to not only children, but also comprehensive support to the entire family. Similarly, it creates an environment that reduces stress, promotes healing, and provides a superior patient and family experience. This facility upholds Panda Expressâ mission, vision, and values and its four pillars: to directly help fund the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs of children. This center, the first-ever in northern Nevada, will provide care for children who have chronic conditions. In particular, it offers ongoing treatment, health management, and specialty medical services, including: Nephrology Endocrinology Neurology Pulmonary Infectious Diseases Medical Genetics Adolescent Medicine How You Can Help! When you order from Panda Express, you can opt to round up your change, which will help support programs and services, such as the Center of Hope for Renown Childrenâs Hospital. Order Online A Partnership for Health & Education of Underserved Youth This partnership allows Renown Childrenâs Hospital to continue to strengthen regional services and increase Pandaâs visibility within our growing community. Last year, 21,930 sick children received care from Renown Childrenâs Hospital. To date, Panda Express has raised $449,200 in financial support to assist us in providing health and education to every child, regardless of illness, injury, insurance, or ability to pay. Panda Express funds have already supported: Giraffe omni beds for the NICU Ultrasound machine for the Childrenâs ER Panda warmers and a hand held Accuvein machine Child Life Program to support sick patients and families Meeting room in the Childrenâs Specialty Center In kind donations, volunteer time and support of local events such as the University of Nevada Reno, Wolf Pack Dance Marathon
Read More About Panda Cares Center of Hope at Renown Children's Hospital
-
Keeping Pediatric Care Close to Home
As our community grows, so does the need for specialized care. Thanks to a generous gift, thereâs a healthier future for families in the region as a $7.5 million gift to the Renown Health Foundation is helping keep care close to home. Being in the hospital is often a stressful experience, especially for a child and their caregivers. If you add the need to travel out-of-state for care into the mix, unnecessary anxiety and financial burdens can be placed on a family that is already worried about a sick child. With our quickly growing community and close to 100,000 children under the age of 18 in Washoe County alone, the need for local specialty care is needed. The William N. Pennington Foundation recognized this need and donated $7.5 million to the Renown Health Foundation â the largest gift the health system has received â to keep care close to home and establish the William N. Pennington Fund for Advanced Pediatric Care. Thanks to this gift, Renown Childrenâs Hospital has hired more than 15 pediatric specialists who provide care for children in our community. Below, we introduce you to three key specialized pediatricians in northern Nevada: Joseph A. Gassen, M.D. âHaving pediatric specialists in the community is invaluable,â says Joseph A. Gassen, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine. âIt allows families and patients to stay in Reno and not have to travel far distances to get quality care.â Gassen, the only doctor specializing in pediatric emergency medicine in the region, moved to Reno to provide care in the emergency room at Renown Childrenâs Hospital. âThe hospital is dedicated to improving the care of children in northern Nevada, and I wanted to be a part of this amazing vision," Dr. Gassen says. I would not have been able to relocate to Reno without the support from the hospital and the William N. Pennington gift.â Working with children and their families are what Dr. Gassen finds most rewarding. "I get to provide care for a child, which in turn makes the parent feel better,â he says. âEssentially, I get to treat the whole family, even though I only directly care for the kids.â  Colin Nguyen, M.D. Also among the first new specialists is Pediatric Neurologist Colin Nguyen, M.D., who has done extensive work with epilepsy and epilepsy surgery. âIn any growing and expanding community, we need the multitude of social, financial, political and well-being services to sustain that growth and progress,â Dr. Nguyen says. âThe ability to offer more breadth of medical services to our local population allows families to spend more time together and fulfill work obligations, without the need to travel long distances to obtain that specialized care.â Dr. Nguyen says he enjoys caring for children because they are honest in their emotions and reactions, as well as simple in their intentions. âIt is the overall joy and unique sadness that comes in working with children, which drives many of us to continue our work -- I am no exception.â Jacob Zucker, M.D. The third pediatric specialist providing care thanks to the Pennington gift has close ties to northern Nevada. Jacob Zucker, M.D., pediatric hematologist-oncologist, was born and raised in Reno and attended medical school at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine before moving to the Midwest for his residency and fellowship. Dr. Zucker feels fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to return home and give back to the community that has given so much to him. âI can say with absolute resolve that northern Nevada is an exceptional community to practice medicine in. The care offered here at home is top rate and the providers that live and practice here truly understand the purpose of community.â The addition of these three specialists and the future specialists that will be coming to our area will impact thousands of children and their families. âWith a growing population, the vision of leadership at Renown, and with the generosity of the William N. Pennington Foundation, northern Nevada is in position for the first time to make local pediatric subspecialty care a reality and to keep our families at home in their community,â Dr. Zucker says.
-
How to Ease Your Child's Fear of Vaccines
Getting a shot can be scary for kids and anxiety-inducing for parents and caregivers. With flu shot season well underway and children's COVID-19 vaccine clinics in full swing, we wanted to share ways to reduce the stress for you and your child. Plan Ahead and Be Honest A few days before the scheduled appointment, casually mention to your child that youâre both going to the doctorâs office (or vaccine clinic, or pharmacy) soon for their vaccine. Explain to them that this will help protect them and will only take a second. Being honest is important, telling your child that it will hurt for a moment. If possible, try and schedule the vaccine at a kid-specific vaccine clinic, your pediatrician's office or a school-based site. Remember that words are powerful. Take notice if you are using a word that might make them more upset, such as prick, jab, needle or shot. You can interchange words such as vaccine, immunization or injection. Bring Toys Donât be afraid to let your child bring one of their favorite toys or stuffed animals to the appointment. This can make them feel more comfortable and provide distraction. Ask for Pain Reliever/Numbing Agent If you know from past experience (or suspect) that your child has a needle phobia, talk to the vaccination location ahead of time and ask if they can use a pain reliever or numbing agent before administering the vaccine. Distract. Distract. Distract. Sing a song, tell them a joke, make a funny face. If you can pull your childâs attention away from the needle and make them laugh, they wonât focus all their energy on worrying about the shot. Lead By Example If you haven't gotten your flu shot, COVID shot or COVID-19 booster yet, ask the facility ahead of time if you can also get a shot before your child. Show them that the shot is no big deal and that they will have no problem getting it themselves. Celebrate Donât be afraid to celebrate this victory with your child once it is over â bring them to the park, go out for an ice cream cone, let them pick whatâs for dinner. This reward will show that youâre proud of them for being brave and may also make the next time your child is due for a shot easier.
-
What Is the Role of a Child Life Specialist?
What is the role of the child life specialist? Here are common questions and answers about how these special individuals give both parents and kids peace of mind. Letâs face it: A hospital can be an intimidating place for just about anyone. But add in being a small human with very little worldly experience â aka a child â and itâs easy to imagine how overwhelming a hospital visit can be. Enter the role of the child life specialist. Liz Winkler, a child life specialist with Renown Childrenâs Hospital, explains how a Renown program puts young patients and their families at ease. What does a child life specialist do? Child life specialists help young patients develop ways to cope with the anxiety, fear and separation that often accompany the hospital experience. They give special consideration to each childâs family, culture and stage of development. As professionals trained to work with children in medical settings, specialists hold a bachelorâs or masterâs degree in the areas of child life, child development and special education or recreational therapy. Our child life specialists are also professionally certified and affiliated with the national Child Life Council. Child life specialists also offer tours of Renown Childrenâs Hospital for families whose children are scheduled to have surgery. Child life supports children and families by: Helping children cope with anxiety, fear, separation and adjustment Making doctors, needles and tests a little less scary Providing art, music and pet therapy Organizing activities Addressing your concerns Telling you what to expect Creating a therapeutic and medical plan Offering a hand to hold What else is available at the Childrenâs Hospital that helps ease some of the stress of a hospital visit? Whether itâs seeing a pediatrician, getting a sports physical or looking for advice, our care is centered on supporting and nurturing patients and families at our many locations. We have kid-friendly environments to help ease some of the stress of a hospital visit. These include colorful exam rooms, kid-friendly waiting and common areas, and medical equipment designed especially for children. Our childrenâs ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So parents and caregivers have access to emergency care tailored to little ones â anytime, day or night. We have several pediatric specialists on the Renown team in areas including diabetes, emergency medicine, neurology, pulmonology, blood diseases and cancer. How can parents start to ease their childrenâs mind when they know a hospital visit is in the future? As with many things in life, good preparation can help kids feel less anxious about the experience and even get through recovery faster. Itâs important to provide information at your childâs level of understanding, while correcting any misunderstandings, and helping to eliminate fears and feelings of guilt. If youâre anxious and nervous, your child may reflect these feelings and behaviors. So make sure you educate yourself, feel comfortable with the process, and get your questions answered.
Read More About What Is the Role of a Child Life Specialist?
-
Protect Yourself and Others with the Flu Shot
Flu shots donât just protect those who get vaccinated; they protect everyone, including your family and the community. As we continue navigating the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, Renown Health infection prevention expert Whitney Robinson explains how getting your flu shot is vital for staying healthy. 5 Ways to Schedule Your Flu Shot Call Us! 775-982-5000 Urgent Care Appointments Renown Pharmacy Vaccinations Make an Appointment via MyChart Need a Doctor? Find One Now Reasons to get the flu shot Chills, body aches, fever, congestion; getting the flu isnât fun. But in addition to protecting yourself with a flu shot, youâre helping reduce flu cases and hospitalizations, Whitney said. Flu shots are currently available at pharmacies throughout the Reno area. Whitney says the ideal time to get your flu shot is September through October, but remain relevant throughout the winter months as it only takes two weeks for the antibodies to develop in your body. This timing allows the vaccine to provide the strongest protection during the length of flu season. Who needs a flu shot? Almost everyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the yearly flu shot for everyone six months of age and older. Equally, they consider it the first and most crucial step in protecting against the flu virus.
Read More About Protect Yourself and Others with the Flu Shot
-
Preventing Heatstroke in Children
The summer is here, and it is time to take action. The heat can be dangerous for kids, so make sure that you are aware of the signs of heatstroke and know how to prevent it. Did you know heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash related fatalities in children? âOn average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. In more than half of these deaths, the caregiver forgot the child was in the car.â (Safe Kids Worldwide,â 2022, para.1) Babies are at higher risk for heatstroke than adults, as they cannot regulate their body temperature as well as adults can. They also do not have the same understanding of how hot the environment is and may not be able to communicate that they need to be taken out of the car.  Here are eight simple tips to keep your baby cool in the back seat: In hot weather, it is important to keep your baby cool and hydrated by using a car seat cover or towel over them to reflect the sun's rays. It is important to dress your baby in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Make sure that your car is well ventilated and use a towel or blanket to create an air gap between your baby and the seat. This will help with air circulation, as well as provide insulation from hot surfaces. Keep an eye on your baby's skin color. If it starts looking too red or flushed, it may be time to get somewhere cooler. Keep the temperature at a comfortable temperature for you, not for your child. Keep windows cracked open for ventilation and make sure that there is nothing blocking the flow of air from entering or exiting the vehicle. Dress your infant appropriately for their environment with appropriate head and neck coverings, keeping them cool as well as protected from sunburns. Ensure that you have enough fluids on hand to last an hour before getting out of the car or use bottled water if possible. Never leave your child unattended in a car.  If you suspect heatstroke in someone, especially a child, take the following measures: Call 911 immediately. Cool the victim â Get the person to a shady area, remove restrictive clothing and cover skin with sheets soaked in ice-water, and place ice packs in the arm pits and groin. Have the victim drink cool fluids, preferably an electrolyte-containing sports drink. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer, but stop cooling efforts after temperature has dropped to 102.  Additional Resources: Baby Safe Class This class helps prepare parents for emergencies that may occur in babyâs first year. Along with car seat safety and basic baby proofing, discussion will include prevention and treatment of common injuries.
-
Bye-Bye Holidays, Hello Routines! Getting Kids Back into the Groove
The kids are back in school and the holidays are all but a distant memory: Now what? Karen Wagner, APRN, offers specific tips about getting kids back to their routines in the post-holiday-hustle-and-bustle. Are you finding the kids struggling with bedtime routines? Having trouble getting them to tackle homework? Thereâs a simple reason: The holidays messed with their mojo! Here, we talk with Nurse Practitioner Karen Wagner about what to do to get them back on the straight and narrow. Why Routines Are Important âHolidays are a fantastic time to get together with family and friends, so our routines are usually off â and this is understandable, âWagner says. âWhile the holidays are exciting, they are chaotic and can put our kids out of the routines.â So how do you get kids back into those routines they crave? âConsistency/routines are crucial for our kids,â she says. âMost people â kids and adults â experience a let-down feeling after the holidays, and post-holiday adjustment takes time.â So what can we do, specifically? Wagner recommends the following: Re-establish family routines, including before- and after-school programs or child care routines. Once kids are back on the regular schedule, theyâll find that sense of familiarity as the old routine returns. But keep in mind, this wonât happen overnight. Encourage healthy eating, as the upheaval of their schedule can be offset by a balanced diet. Make sleep time a priority: Keep in mind that it might take up to three nights of strict bedtime to get them back on track. But enforcing normal bedtime will get their bodies back on a normal schedule. Return to usual chores and expectations. Nothing encourages a return to routine like reminding them of the basics. Incorporate indoor and outdoor time. They likely spent lots of time outdoors during our unseasonably warm winter break â and they even had a snow day or two! So encouraging both indoor and outdoor time will help them return to a circadian rhythm and tire them out from exposure to fresh air. âIt is never too early to encourage a love for physical activity in kids by exposing them to fun fitness activities and sports,â Wagner says. âPhysical activity improves bone health, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, decreases levels of body fat, reduces symptoms of depression, and improves cognitive skills and the ability to concentrate.â
Read More About Bye-Bye Holidays, Hello Routines! Getting Kids Back into the Groove
-
What is Dry Drowning?
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver or sibling, you should know drowning is the second leading cause of death among children. Yet, while we are vigilant about protecting children from water accidents and drowning, a condition known as dry drowning or delayed drowning can go unnoticed. In fact, most people aren't even aware it exists. Dry drowning defined Dry drowning is a side-effect of a near-drowning experience and includes spasms of the vocal cords and larynx â known as a laryngospasm. This occurs when the body attempts to shut down the passage of any liquid into the lungs. Unfortunately, it can also shut down the passage of air into the lungs and force fluid into the stomach and lungs. Often the condition is not discovered until it's too late â severe cases can cause death within one to 24 hours after a water incident occurs. Who is susceptible? Novice or first-time swimmers are at increased risk, as are children with asthma and known breathing issues. In addition, children who have had pneumonia or experienced acute respiratory distress syndrome are also at greater risk. To reduce these factors, caregivers should be exceptionally watchful of inexperienced swimmers. According to Leland Sullivan, MD, of Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians, children under the age of 5 are most susceptible to drowning and often drown in residential swimming pools. Infants less than 1-year-old most often drown in bathtubs. What are the signs of a dry drowning episode? If your child has a near-drowning incident, a few moments of coughing until they calm down is normal. However, you should know the more severe signs and symptoms to watch for during the 24 hours following the incident, including: Persistent coughing Difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath Chest pains Extreme fatigue and/or lethargy Change in typical behavior Face becomes pale  What is the treatment and prognosis for dry drowning? Dr. Sullivan recommends that all victims of near-drowning incidents seek medical attention, even if they have no symptoms. If caught early, dry drowning can be treated. If you think your child is experiencing a dry drowning episode, go to the nearest emergency room as quickly as possible â do not attempt treatment at home. Healthcare professionals will work to supply oxygen to your child's lungs to restore and regulate breathing.
-
3 Healthcare Musts for Millennials
Many millennials are fortunate to have good health, but itâs important to be prepared for your next doctorâs visit. Here are three things that millennials should stay on top of for tracking and maintaining their health. For many millennials, doctor visits and preventive healthcare fall by the wayside. Alison Lynch, MD, a family medicine provider with Renown Medical Group says there are a few key things you can do now to set yourself up for a healthy future. 1. Establish with a Primary Care Provider Millennials are more likely to go to urgent care or consult the internet when a healthcare issue arises. While these are helpful tools, hereâs a better one: a primary care provider. The benefit of establishing with a primary care provider is that your medical records, history and a baseline for your health will be documented. That means that when a problem or question comes up, your doctor will already have helpful information on file and can help you navigate your needs. Having a primary care provider is often required for prescription refills and referrals to a specialist. By establishing now, youâll be able to get what you need in the future much faster. Make an Appointment Today 2. Protect Yourself and Your Community There are a few vaccinations and screenings that Dr. Lynch recommends for millennials. Flu Shots: These are available every year and are recommended for protecting not only yourself against the flu but also others you may come into contact with. Flu shots are usually available from August through December through your healthcare provider, pharmacies and pop-up events. Tetanus or Tdap: Most people receive a tetanus shot as a child, but itâs recommended that everyone get a booster every 10 years. If you are overdue, talk to your primary care provider or pharmacist about getting updated. Pap smear: If youâre a woman, a pap smear is recommended every three years in your 20s and every five years in your 30s. HPV vaccine: This vaccine helps prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer as well as the majority of head and neck cancers and warts. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all genders up until age 45. STD screening: Consider an STI/STD screening if youâre sexually active.
-
Are You at Risk for Stroke?
Did you know an estimated 1.9 million neurons and 14 billion synapses are lost per minute during a stroke? Thatâs why every second counts. Anyone can have a stroke, but your chances increase if you have certain risk factors. Thatâs why the best way to protect yourself or your loved ones from a stroke is to know the risks and how to manage them. You can make changes to your lifestyle to lower your risk of stroke by asking yourself the following questions: 1. Is my blood pressure normal? High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and the most important controllable risk factor. If youâve had a stroke, lowering your blood pressure can help prevent future strokes. 2. Can I quit smoking? Smoking damages blood vessels, clogs arteries and raises blood pressure â doubling your risk of stroke. If you want to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack, quitting smoking is the first step â and Renown can help you with this. Learn more: Renown Health Quit Tobacco Program. 3. Do I make time to exercise 30 minutes a day? Many studies link consistent exercise habits with lower stroke risk. Also, being overweight contributes to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, all increasing your stroke risk. You donât need to run a marathon â just commit to making time to move each day. 4. Do I regularly eat processed food and sugar? Eating less cholesterol and fat, especially saturated and trans fats, may reduce the fatty deposits (plaque) in your arteries. Also, eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day may reduce your stroke risk. If you are diabetic, follow recommendations to get your diabetes under control.