(Lorain, OH) Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke and every four minutes someone dies from one, according to the latest statistics from the American Heart Association. That translates to 133,000 people each year. In Ohio, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death.
Even though you may be at risk for stroke, you can change your risks and not be among these stats. To learn more about your risks or how to help a loved one, plan to attend Stroke Community Education Day on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Mercy Regional Medical Center in the Ross Conference Rooms, 3700 Kolbe Rd. in Lorain.
“While strokes are more prevalent in what is called the ‘stroke belt’ in the southern states, Ohio also ranks high on the number of people who are impacted by stroke,” said Dhruv Patel, MD, Neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Center at Mercy Regional Medical Center. “However, the good news is that nearly 80 percent of strokes are preventable. At Mercy, we strongly believe in helping those who live in our community get the facts so they can take preventive steps to prevent this debilitating condition.”
At the half-day session, participants will learn about the risk factors, signs and symptoms associated with stroke. Dr. Patel, Heather Scullin, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist; and Gil Palmer, MD, Emergency Medicine specialist – will present on these topics and answer questions from the audience.
In addition to the educational program, participants will have an opportunity to win raffle prizes, enjoy healthy foods and get screened – free of charge – for some of the primary conditions related to stroke. Screenings include:
- Carotid artery screening*
- Cholesterol screening
- Blood glucose screening
- Blood pressure measurement
- Falls risk assessment
- Vitamin D
“We encourage adults of all ages to join us for this informative program,” continued Dr. Patel. “Dr. Palmer, Dr. Scullin and I will share our knowledge on caring for stroke patients at every stage – from the time they enter our emergency department through rehab. We will discuss all aspects of stroke, including how to help someone who may be having a stroke. Often, the signs are subtle, but getting a stroke victim medical treatment at the onset of symptoms can greatly improve their outcome and certainly will lessen their short- and long-term disability.”
*You must pre-register for the carotid screening. To register for the carotid screening, or for more information on the Stroke Community Education Day at Mercy, please call 877-247-6161.