SUSANVILLE, Calif. — Banner Lassen Medical Center will teach community members about the risks for stroke and provide free screenings at the Stroke Prevention Health Fair on Nov. 2 at the hospital.

The event, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., is open and free to the public. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (530) 252-2000. Walk-in appointments may be accommodated if time allows.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable through lifestyle choices, according to the National Stroke Association. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, irregular heartbeat, poor diet and exercise and family history of stroke.

Participants who will be screened should fast which includes nothing to eat or drink except water for six to eight hours before the appointment to detect cholesterol levels.

In addition volunteers will review medical history, check blood pressure and cholesterol levels, demonstrate the ease of EKG and carotid Doppler testing and provide information on stroke prevention and the signs, symptoms and emergency response to stroke.

Banner Lassen Medical Center is located at 1800 Spring Ridge Drive in Susanville.