Stroke is one of the top five killers in the state of Mississippi, claiming the life of about 1,500 Mississippians each year, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes clogged or bursts.
It is important to know that the signs of a stroke appear only when the stroke is happening. There are no warning signs before the event.
Spot the signs of stroke: Numbness, confusion, blurred vision, loss of balance and headache.
“You are at risk for stroke if you smoke,” said Tiffany Johnson, interim director of the Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health. “We know that tobacco use increases the risk of blood clots which are the cause of stroke.”
According to MSDH, rates of stroke are among the highest in black men and women. Family history of stroke and advanced age also put Mississippians at higher risk.
“Strokes can be prevented” said Kathryn Allman, director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Choctaw, Montgomery and Webster counties. “Quitting smoking and staying tobacco free is the first step. Our MTFC goal is to provide Mississippi with the education and resources needed to get and stay healthy.”
Knowing your blood pressure numbers, staying active and staying smoke free will reduce your risk of having a stroke. You can have your blood pressure checked for free at all county health departments and fire stations. For a list of county health departments visit www.healthyms.com/locations.
MSDH offers free, live coaching for those who want to quit. Call the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. For information on the health dangers of tobacco products visit www.quitlinems.com.
