This Easy Habit Might Save You From a Stroke

Old habits and new habits on torn paper

A simple hygiene habit could dramatically reduce your risk of stroke, yet most Americans neglect it.

Quick Takes

  • Over half a million Americans experience a first stroke annually, but up to 80% may be preventable.
  • Flossing at least once a week is linked to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke.
  • The American Stroke Association has released updated guidelines emphasizing screening and lifestyle changes.
  • Oral diseases affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions.
  • New gender-specific recommendations include screening for conditions that increase stroke risk in women.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Oral Hygiene

While the left-wing media obsesses over pushing their woke agenda, they’re conveniently ignoring a simple, cost-effective way to prevent one of America’s leading causes of disability. Approximately 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year, yet the mainstream narrative remains fixated on issues that don’t directly impact the health and well-being of hardworking citizens. New research suggests that a basic hygiene habit – flossing your teeth at least once a week – could significantly reduce the risk of certain types of stroke.

This groundbreaking study found that regular flossing is associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). It’s astounding that such a simple, affordable practice could have such profound effects on public health. Yet, instead of promoting these life-saving measures, our tax dollars are being squandered on frivolous programs that cater to special interest groups.

The Stroke Epidemic: A Silent Killer

Strokes occur due to blocked blood flow to the brain or a burst blood vessel, with ischemic strokes being the most common type. The fact that oral health behaviors are strongly associated with inflammation and artery hardening should be a wake-up call for all Americans.

“The most effective way to reduce the occurrence of a stroke and stroke-related death is to prevent the first stroke—referred to as primary prevention” – Cheryl D. Bushnell, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA

The American Stroke Association has released updated guidelines for preventing first strokes, emphasizing screening, lifestyle changes, and treatment options. It’s commendable that they’re taking action, but why isn’t this information being shouted from the rooftops? The mainstream media would rather focus on divisive identity politics than educate the public about life-saving health measures.

Taking Control of Your Health

While the government continues to mismanage our healthcare system and waste resources on ineffective programs, it’s up to individual Americans to take control of their health. The new guidelines highlight the importance of regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, and making lifestyle interventions. These include managing high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medications when necessary.

“Implementing the recommendations in this guideline would make it possible to significantly reduce the risk of people having a first stroke. Most strategies that we recommend for preventing stroke will also help reduce the risk of dementia, another serious health condition related to vascular issues in the brain” – Cheryl D. Bushnell, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA

It’s time for Americans to wake up and realize that our health is in our own hands. We must remember that simple, personal choices like flossing can have a profound impact on our well-being.