Stop smoking and your risk of having a stroke drops almost immediately. The damage caused by smoking can be corrected in about 5 to 7 years. Drink alcohol in moderation. No more than 2 drinks daily. Reduce your salts.
Sodium causes fluids to build up in the tissues.
Reduce eating too many fats, especially animal fats and many saturated fats found in dairy products and most junk foods. Check and control your blood sugar. If you are overweight, lose the excess pounds. Check your blood pressure regularly. If you find it high for more than a week, be sure to have your physician check it out.