Understanding Stroke: Prevention

5/19/2026

Having a strong relationship with a primary care provider is one of the most important tools in preventing serious health events like a stroke. Regular visits can help patients understand their risk factors and stay proactive. Dr. Philipp Schulz, internal medicine physician at Medical Associates at Corsicana Crossing explains: “A primary care provider can monitor conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, substance abuse like smoking or alcohol, sleep apnea and all major contributors to stroke risk over time. Routine screenings, lab work, and annual wellness visits help detect changes early, often before symptoms appear and help patients make sustainable lifestyle changes. We can work together to identify risks early, monitor progress, and adjust treatment plans when needed.”

Dr. Schulz also notes that understanding a patient’s family history is an important part of prevention. Patients with relatives who have experienced strokes, heart disease, or other genetic conditions may benefit from earlier screening and closer monitoring. Every adult should establish care with a primary care provider by age 18 and continue routine yearly visits, even when feeling healthy. “People can start immediately to lower their stroke risk,” Dr. Schulz says. “First, avoid smoking in any form. Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably aerobic exercise such as walking, cycling, or swimming, and include resistance training when possible.” He also recommends following a Mediterranean-style diet, focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich foods while limiting processed foods and excess sugar.

• Replace butter or margarine with olive or avocado oil
• Limit red meat to once per week
• Choose fish or poultry (unfried)
• Add more colorful fruits and vegetables
• Increase fiber intake with oatmeal, lentils, and beans
• Avoid sugary drinks such as soda and sweet tea
• Avoid high fructose corn syrup
• Eliminate ultra-processed foods

Dr. Schulz encourages patients to pay close attention to nutrition labels and understand what is in their food, especially added sugars (including high fructose corn syrup) and high salt levels (more than 5% of the recommended daily allowance of sodium), and cut out ultra-processed foods. “Ultra-processed foods are defined as things you couldn’t make in your own kitchen,” he explains.

Routine screenings are another essential part of prevention. Many people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes or sleep apnea feel perfectly healthy. Regular checkups and lab work can help detect problems early, often before symptoms develop. “I have seen patients reverse some of these conditions through lifestyle changes,” Dr. Schulz says. “The earlier you address these risks, the better chance you have to prevent serious complications later in life.”

Dr. Philipp Schulz is accepting new patients. To schedule, go to https://www.navarro-docs.com/doctors-providers/schulz-philipp-md-10220 or call 903-872-6065.

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