Mississippi State Department of Health

Stroke Awareness and Prevention

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Stroke is one of the top five causes of death in the state, claiming about 1,500 Mississippians each year.

Spot the Signs of Stroke.

It's important to have your blood pressure checked regularly if you are at risk for stroke and to control your diet and weight to keep that risk low. The signs of stroke appear when a stroke happens — there are no warnings beforehand.

About Strokes

What it is: A stroke occurs when one of the blood vessels in the brain ruptures or becomes clogged by a blood clot that reaches the brain.

Effects: Strokes can result in the paralysis of parts of the body and the loss of abilities such as speech, touch and memory.

At risk: If you smoke, are overweight or drink more than a moderate amount, you are increasing your chance of having a stroke. African-American men and women are at substantially higher risk of dying from stroke. If you are older, or have a family history of stroke, your risk is also higher.

Prevention

Free Blood Pressure Check

You can have your blood pressure checked free at:

Know the Signs

Quick medical attention is vital to surviving and recovering from a stroke. Watch for these signs and call 9-1-1 if you suspect that you or someone else may be having a stroke.



Links referenced on this page
Fact Sheets on Stroke and Heart Disease in Mississippi    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/43,0,297,77,html ok
County health departments    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/19,0,166,html ok
Download this poster    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/22,3725,297,pdf/SignsOfStroke.pdf

Resources referenced
Download this poster    https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/22,3725,297,pdf/SignsOfStroke.pdf ok

Find this page at http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/index.cfm

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