Did you know that stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of long-term disability? According to the American Stroke Association, African Americans and Hispanics have a much higher risk of death from a stroke compared to Caucasians.
Knowing the risk factors of stroke is vital, but there are some risk factors that are uncontrollable.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors for Stroke:
- Increase in age
- Gender (males are at greater risk than females)
- Race (African Americans are at greater risk than Caucasians)
- History of prior stroke
- Hereditary
You and your loved ones do NOT have to be victims of a stroke as there are risk factors within your control and lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk.
Reducing Your Risk:
- Exercise every day
- Eat healthy (eat five or more fruits and vegetables a day)
- Quit smoking
- Control your blood pressure
- Treat/control diabetes
- Reduce sodium
- Visit your doctor regularly
Knowing your risk and controlling what you can is the best defense against having a stroke. To take an interactive Stroke Quiz and test your knowledge, log onto Mercy Medical Center’s web site (www.cantonmercy.org) and click on “Health Info”, which contains the Online Health Library.
Mercy Stroke Center has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers and is an American Heart Association “Get with the Guidelines – Stroke” designated center which aligns treatment with the latest scientific guidelines. From rapid diagnosis and treatment at Mercy Emergency Department to an inpatient rehabilitation center and educational and support groups, Mercy Stroke Center can help. For more information, call Mercy Medical Center at 330-489-1000.
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