Stroke is common and serious. But we can learn how to prevent strokes by lowering our risk through exercise and other lifestyle habits. And spotting the symptoms early can greatly lower the odds of permanent damage, according to the American Heart Association.

Doctors recommend exercise and healthy eating to improve overall heart health. They also suggest maintaining a healthy weight, drinking only in moderation, and not smoking.

Stroke is an interruption of blood flow to the brain. It can be fatal. Some 800,000 strokes occur annually in the US alone.

And the AHA has a handy way to educate us about spotting a stroke early enough to get help that could save a life or greatly mitigate permanent damage.

1. Face. One side of the face is drooping.
2. Arms. Arm or leg weakness.
3. Speech. Speech difficulty.
4. Time. Time to call for an ambulance immediately.

With February cited as American Heart Month, the AHA also points out:

• Stroke risk increases with age.
• African-Americans are twice as likely for a first-time stroke as white people.
• High blood pressure contributes to 75 percent of first strokes.
• Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
• More exercise brings more benefits.
• Keep exercising and eating right even if you’re on medicine for high blood pressure and cholesterol.

It’s all just more encouragement to live a healthy life and to encourage loved ones to exercise, eat right, and practice other positive daily choices. Visit the heart association or talk to your doctor to learn more.

Actor Luke Perry was a familiar face on TV screens for almost 30 years, as a teen on “Beverly Hills 90210” and recently as Archie’s dad on “Riverdale.”

His shocking stroke and death at 52 have a lot of people questioning whether there’s such a thing as “Too young for a stroke.”

The sad truth is, not really. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and while it’s more common among older people, it can occur at any age.

The good news is, we can control some of our risk factors by taking better care of ourselves — including exercise, diet, reducing obesity, not smoking, and managing high blood pressure. It is “preventable, treatable and beatable,” the American Stroke Association says. You’re better off if you avoid consuming too many calories, too much saturated and trans fat, and excessive salt. The government also recommends everyone move at least 150 minutes each week.

And that’s a minimum — of movement, not vigorous exercise that can bring even greater change to your life with more strength, endurance and agility.

You have countless reasons to work out and watch what you eat. So, here’s one more: Managing your weight and blood pressure can help reduce your risk for stroke.