According to the Mississippi State Department of Health 1,500 Mississippians die each year from stroke. 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, slurred speech, loss of balance, and headache.

“We know that tobacco use increases the risk of blood clots which are the cause of stroke.” said Tiffany Johnson, Interim Director of the Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health.

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.

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.

“Strokes can be prevented,” said Rhonda James, Director of the Mississippi Tobacco-Free Coalition of Jefferson-Davis, Lawrence and Walthall 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.”

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.