How much do you know about strokes? Did you know that it’s the leading cause of adult disability and the third leading cause of death? It is, but 80 percent of strokes can be prevented! Take this quick true/false quiz to learn what you can do for yourself and those you love to prevent stroke.

True or False?

Anyone can have a stroke.

True. Even children have strokes, but most people who have a stroke are over 65. Depending on your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes, you may be at much higher risk for stroke than most people.

Race is a risk factor for stroke.

True. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stroke is more common and more deadly for African Americans than any other ethnic or racial group in the United States. Obviously, race is a risk factor you cannot change, but knowing you are at greater risk is a good reason to find out what you can change to prevent stroke, for example, get help for diabetes, high blood pressure, and if you smoke, quit!

More women die from breast cancer than stroke.

False. According to the National Stroke Association, even though most women believe they are more at risk of dying from breast cancer, stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer every year. Stroke is also the leading cause of death among Hispanic women.

Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.

True. If you smoke, you are twice more likely to have a stroke than someone who has never smoked. The good news is it’s never too late. Quitting or cutting back today will also reduce your risk.

Only people with high blood pressure have strokes.  

False. A recent study showed that middle-age people with blood pressure only slightly above normal are 68 percent more likely to have a stroke than those with normal blood pressure. Even though your blood pressure is too low for your doctor to prescribe medication, you are at risk and should focus on losing weight, exercising, and watching your salt intake.