Morning Habits to Reduce Stroke Risk for Older Adults

Mindful Awakening

• ⚠️ The sudden shift from lying to standing can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, known as orthostatic or postural hypotension, especially for individuals over 65.
• 🧠 This can momentarily starve the brain of blood and oxygen, potentially leading to dizziness, falls, a mini-stroke (TIA), or a full ischemic stroke due to less elastic arteries in older age.
• ✅ To mitigate this risk, allow one minute of stillness upon waking, take three to five deep breaths, then slowly move to a seated position for 30-60 seconds before gently standing.

Essential Morning Hydration

• 💧 Overnight, the body dehydrates, making blood thicker and more viscous, which increases the heart's workload and the risk of blood clots.
• ☕ Consuming caffeine while dehydrated is hazardous, as caffeine is a diuretic that further exacerbates fluid loss and constricts blood vessels, creating a **