How to Protect Yourself From a Brain Aneurysm

The sudden and tragic death of Ohio Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of a brain aneurysm led many people to ask what they can do to prevent an aneurysm from occurring. Sadly, there isn't any "magic pill" or medication to prevent a blood vessel from exploding inside the body (with maybe the outstanding exception of daily low dose aspirin therapy). Sometimes vessels just rupture in "very healthy" people because of genetics. Other times it may be related to the usual cardiac risk factors such as lack of exercise, poor diet, smoking, excessive alcohol/drug use and lack of regular checkups. With all of this in mind, here are some steps you can still take to decrease your risk of an aneurysm.

Things You'll Need

• 81 mg aspirin taken daily (if not contraindicated by your NP/MD)
• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Regular check in on your alcohol and/drug use

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Instructions

• 1

  Do a self-assessment of your health and be honest. Self assess your weight, diet, exercise patterns and your intake (if any) of alcohol and/or drugs. Don't lie to yourself or use "wishful" thinking. Be honest.

• 2

  Clean up your act the best you can after you do your self-assessment. Many people mistakenly feel that if they cannot achieve 100 percent perfection in changing a health habit, then moderation is not going to matter. This is false. Reducing unhealthy habits can reduce your risk of disease (see link to HARM REDUCTION website in Resources below).

• 3

  Have a complete physical exam by your health care provider that includes a comprehensive cardiac review which includes an EKG, cholesterol levels and heart sounds.

• 4

  Consider taking 81 mg of "adult strength" aspirin (ASA) daily. Clinical research on the benefits of daily low dose ASA therapy is impressive, including its safety. This small and simple routine saves lives daily.

• 5

  Laugh a little. Life is short. Even people in so-called "perfect health" can have a heart attack, aneurysm or simply drop dead. Remember the great runner and author Jim Fixx? He died from sudden cardiac death. Life happens, and so does death.