4 Morning Habits That Could Raise Your Risk of Stroke
Strokes are no longer a concern exclusive to older adults; younger individuals are increasingly at risk as well. Recognizing the importance of stroke prevention is crucial, as failing to address early warning signs can lead to severe consequences.
I recently came across a newspaper article highlighting certain morning habits that may unknowingly increase the risk of stroke. Here are some key insights shared by Dr. Nguyen Xuan Quang from the Military Medical Academy, along with advice on how to avoid these risky behaviors.
1. Jumping Out of Bed Too Quickly
It’s common for people to spring out of bed immediately after waking up, but health experts caution against this habit. During sleep, the parasympathetic nervous system keeps the heart rate and blood pressure low. Abruptly standing up activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure.
This rapid change can strain delicate blood vessels in the brain, increasing the likelihood of a hemorrhagic stroke.
Solution: Dr. Quang advises lying still for 1–2 minutes after waking up. Gentle massages of the face, head, eyes, and neck can help ease your body into wakefulness before you get out of bed.
2. Drinking Saltwater First Thing in the Morning
Some people start their day with a glass of diluted saltwater, believing it improves oral hygiene and promotes health. However, this habit can have adverse effects.
Excessive salt intake can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and kidney issues. Additionally, drinking saltwater on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach lining, potentially leading to inflammation or ulcers.
Solution: Opt for plain water instead of saltwater to hydrate your body after waking up.
3. Exercising Too Early in the Morning
While regular exercise is beneficial, working out before sunrise, especially in cold weather, can pose health risks. Cold temperatures may cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues, heart attacks, and strokes.
For individuals with pre-existing conditions, early-morning workouts can also lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, further straining the body.
Solution: Schedule your exercise for a slightly later time in the morning when temperatures are more moderate.
4. Drinking Too Much Water at Once
Hydrating in the morning is essential, but consuming large amounts of water in one go can strain the heart. This is particularly risky for individuals with heart conditions, as it may cause rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, or even trigger a stroke.
Solution: Drink around 200–300ml of water after waking up, and sip slowly throughout the morning instead of consuming large amounts at once.
Final Thoughts
Stroke prevention begins with simple daily habits. Being mindful of how you start your day can have a significant impact on your long-term health. Share these insights with your loved ones to help promote a healthier, stroke-free lifestyle.
Wealthy Heir Humiliates Beggar Outside Luxury Hotel, Finds His Bank Account Drained Next Morning
Peter was raised in luxury, being the only son of a wealthy hotel owner.
Unfortunately, his privileged upbringing turned him into an arrogant young man who believed himself superior to others.
One afternoon, Peter entered his father’s grand hotel and was welcomed by Jenny, a new employee. She politely asked if he’d like a welcome drink.
“Don’t you know who I am?” Peter scoffed. “I only drink a special blend prepared just for me.”
Unaware of his preferences — since she had only been working at the hotel for a week — Jenny apologized and went to the kitchen to prepare his drink.
Peter then approached his father’s assistant, Marcus. True to his nature, Peter mocked him.
“Why the long face, Marcus? How do you expect to work in hospitality when you can’t even manage a smile?”
Marcus responded respectfully, apologizing for appearing tired.
“Soon I’ll be running this place,” Peter boasted. “When that happens, there won’t be room for excuses.”
Without waiting for a reply, Peter walked into his father’s office.
There, Mr. Greenwood advised his son to treat everyone with respect, reminding him that every person in the hotel, no matter their role, contributed to its success. But Peter brushed off the advice and asked his father to consider retiring and letting him take over the business.
Seeing Peter’s impatience and arrogance, Mr. Greenwood proposed a challenge instead: five businessmen from different countries would be visiting the hotel, and Peter’s task was to ensure their stay was flawless.
Feeling confident, Peter settled into his father’s office chair, bragging to a friend on the phone about being in charge for the day. However, his call was interrupted by the sound of someone singing loudly outside.
Looking out the window, Peter saw a homeless man singing on the sidewalk near the hotel entrance. Furious that such a scene might tarnish the hotel’s image, he rushed out to confront the man.
“What do you think you’re doing here, singing in front of my hotel?” Peter snapped. “Soon, important guests will be arriving, and I don’t want them seeing you here. Leave immediately!”
At that moment, Marcus stepped in, offering the homeless man $500 to find food and shelter for the night, hoping to de-escalate the situation.
The man accepted the money gratefully and left, while Marcus reminded Peter that their first guest was about to arrive.
The businessmen arrived and were soon enjoying their stay. Their praise for the hotel’s food and service gave Peter a sense of accomplishment. But his relief was short-lived.
Later that evening, the same homeless man returned, this time wanting to use the $500 to rent a room for the night. Peter reluctantly agreed but instructed staff to place him in a room far from the guests.
Yet, Peter remained determined to drive the man away. When Mr. Roberts, one of the businessmen, reported that his valuable family heirloom watch was missing from the restroom, Peter saw an opportunity.
He sneakily planted the watch in the homeless man’s room, then informed the police that he had seen the man acting suspiciously.
The police searched the room, found the watch, and questioned the homeless man. Calmly, the man denied any involvement, expressing surprise at the situation but agreeing to cooperate with the authorities.
The next morning, Peter was feeling triumphant — until his father entered the room with news that would shake him.
Expecting praise, Peter was instead told to check his bank account. To his shock, his multi-million-dollar account balance had dwindled to a single dollar.
His father revealed the truth — the homeless man Peter had insulted and framed was Mr. Greenwood himself, disguised to test Peter’s character.
“You may have handled the guests well,” Mr. Greenwood said sternly, “but you failed to uphold the values that matter most: respect, integrity, and compassion.”
As Peter left the hotel, burdened by the weight of his actions, he realized that true leadership wasn’t about wealth or status — it was about character, humility, and treating everyone with dignity.
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