Three everyday habits that can threaten brain health
Brain health matters as much as heart health, and certain everyday choices can quietly increase the risk of stroke. Neurologist Dr. Bing highlights three common habits that people often overlook. While these activities may feel benign in the moment, they can, in some situations, contribute to brain injury or vascular events over time. Here’s what to know and how to protect yourself.
Habit 1: Misusing massage guns on the neck
Massage devices have surged in popularity for muscle relief. However, using a massage gun directly on the neck can be risky. The neck houses major arteries that supply blood to the brain. Applying intense vibration or pressure to this area can irritate or injure these vessels, potentially increasing the chance of a stroke in vulnerable individuals. Dr. Bing emphasizes caution: avoid aggressive use around the carotid arteries, and never apply the device to the front of the neck. If you have a history of vascular issues, high blood pressure, or neck trauma, consult a clinician before using such devices.
Habit 2: Listening to loud music through earbuds
Many people enjoy high-volume music, especially via in-ear headphones or earbuds. Prolonged exposure to loud sound can stress the tiny blood vessels in the inner ear and, in some cases, correlate with elevated blood pressure surges. While the link between loud listening and stroke isn’t direct in healthy individuals, chronically high blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor. Practical tips include keeping the volume below 60 percent for most listening sessions, taking regular breaks, and choosing over‑the‑ear headphones in noisy environments to reduce the peak volume needed to hear content clearly.
Habit 3: Smoking or vaping
Smoking and vaping are well-established risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Toxins in tobacco products damage blood vessels, raise blood pressure, and promote clot formation. Even if you feel “young and healthy,” the cumulative vascular effects can increase stroke risk over time. If you smoke or vape, cessation significantly lowers the chances of a future stroke and supports overall brain health. Talk to a healthcare provider about evidence-based cessation strategies that suit your lifestyle.
Putting brain health first: practical steps
Protecting the brain isn’t about dramatic changes overnight; it’s about consistent, small adjustments. Consider these steps: break up long sessions of sitting, manage blood pressure and cholesterol through regular screening and a balanced diet, avoid neck pressure during massage, limit loud headphone use, and seek help to quit smoking or vaping. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management also play crucial roles in maintaining healthy blood vessels and optimal brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Can these habits cause an immediate stroke? Immediate strokes from massage gun use or loud music are uncommon, but repeated or extreme exposures can contribute to risk, especially in people with preexisting conditions. What practical changes help? Use devices as directed, moderate volume, and prioritize cardiovascular health through exercise and nutrition. If you have risk factors, talk to a neurologist for personalized guidance.
