Stroke is reportedly the third most common cause of death among South Africans. And the sad thing is that most strokes are usually easily preventable.

Dr Soraya Osman, a specialist neurologist at the Netcare Garden City Hospital says most strokes are preventable. She believes it is a very important subject to highlight National Heart Awareness Month.

A stroke is a medical condition in which brain function is lost as a result of an interruption in blood supply. Dr Osman says that it is a devastating condition causing many disabilities and a large number of deaths.

Strokes are considered medical emergencies because they can result in neurological damage, disability and sometimes even death.

Older people are more at risk of having a stroke, as are women and certain races. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle.

Medical intervention can minimise the damage caused in some cases. However, Dr Osman says "stroke prevention is definitely better than cure." She says that improving your lifestyle and keeping an eye on your health can go a long way in reducing your risks of stroke.

The National Stroke Association in the United States says that up to 80 percent of all strokes are preventable.

These are the suggestions:

• Pay attention to your blood pressure
• Watch your cholesterol levels and be sure that they are not too high
• Keep diabetes under control
• Quit smoking or drugs
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Exercise
• Enjoy a lower fat diet with less salt

There are two main kinds of strokes. One is caused by haemorrhage (flooding the brain with blood) while the other is caused by a cutting off in the supply of blood to the brain as a result of a thrombosis or embolism.

The disabilities caused by a stroke depend upon which areas of the brain have been affected. The effects may range from entirely negligible to paralyses or coma. Most stroke survivors' lives are severely affected physically, mentally and emotionally.

Survivors may also be left blinded, unable to walk, or to speak. In some cases brain fuction returns over time.

"In many people, strokes occur as a result of people not taking proper care of their health," concludes Dr Osman. "The good news about this is that you can change your life. Talk to your doctor about your risks and modify your lifestyle. It is well worth it."

Levelling the playing fields The South African soccer field has traditionally been a male bastion but we are moving forward.

Hottest six-pack in SA? Who does the hottest six-pack in South Africa belong to? Read this to find out...

'The woman on p194' What do you think of the appearance in a fashion magazine of a model who fills more of the page?