There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke. Some of these risk factors are things you can’t change, but many are things that you can. Take a look at this list to learn what you can do to decrease the chances of suffering from a debilitating a stroke:

• Age—Getting older puts you at risk.
• Race—African Americans are at much higher risk of having a stroke.
• Family history—If you have a strong family history of stroke, you’re at higher risk.
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Diabetes
• Heart disease or atrial fibrillation

MidState’s Stroke Center organizes various community education programs and stroke screenings to help people become aware of their risk and learn what steps they can take to get that risk under control. Check our Calendar of Events for upcoming stroke programs.