Did you know that 80 percent of strokes are preventable? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of long-term disability affecting about 795,000 individuals each year. In observance of National Stroke Awareness Month, Dr. Sumathi Venkatesh, a Health Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, offers some insight into stroke risk factors and prevention measures. Regular blood supply is vital for a healthy brain—an important organ in our body that regulates our thoughts and actions. A stroke occurs when oxygen and blood flow to ...