Preventing stroke is crucial at any age, and while bathing is generally a relaxing activity, certain actions afterward can increase your risk — especially in individuals with underlying conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues

. Here are 3 key “don’ts” after bathing that can help reduce stroke risk:

1. Don’t Suddenly Go from Hot to Cold (or Vice Versa)

Why:

A sudden temperature change — like going from a hot bath to a cold room, or rinsing with cold water after a hot soak — can cause blood vessels to constrict rapidly, potentially triggering a spike in blood pressure or reducing blood flow to the brain. This can increase the risk of stroke, especially in older adults.