The Fulton County Department of Housing and Human Services Office of Aging is observing World Stroke Day on Thursday, October 29. The theme for this year's World Stroke Day is "1 in 6."  Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 1 in 6 people worldwide will have a stroke in their lifetime; every 6 seconds, someone somewhere will die from stroke.

Seniors are being asked to take six actions to avoid having a stroke.

• Know your personal risk factors, including diagnosed high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
• Be physically active and exercise regularly.
• Avoid obesity by eating a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Avoid cigarette smoke. People who smoke should seek help to stop now.
• Learn to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and call 9-1-1 right away, if someone is suspected of having a stroke.

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/stroke/world_stroke_day.htm