Are you or someone you love at risk for having a stroke? Do you want to learn more about the disease and how to prevent it? Community Healthcare System will host the “Time is Brain” Stroke Symposium from 8 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 13 at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave., Hobart.
Free health screenings, vendor booths and continental breakfast will be offered at 8 a.m. Emergency medicine physician Lauren Rutili, DO; neurologist Mark Simaga, MD; and cardiologist Kais Yehyawi, MD, will lead engaging, informative and life-saving presentations on varying topics starting at 8:30 a.m. At 11:15 a.m., stroke patients will share their personal stories of conquering the disease, which is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
About 80% of strokes may be prevented my controlling risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through five critical steps, according to the American Heart Association.
1. Quit smoking – If you or someone you care for smokes or vapes, please seek help. St. Mary Medical Center offers cessation classes, and QuitNowIndiana.com has free tools to help you be successful.
2. Move more – Active adults are 25 to 30% less likely to suffer a stroke.
3. Keep blood pressure in control – High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the leading cause of strokes.
4. Eat healthy – Although this helps with weight, eating healthy, regardless of weight, may be even more important. The DASH or Mediterranean diets have been proven to help.
5. Early monitoring – About 10% of strokes are suffered by those younger than 50. Monitoring your weight, blood pressures and lifestyle through every stage in life is crucial in prevention.
Be sure to visit the vendor booths at the Stroke Symposium for a variety of screenings and interactive education on stroke detection and treatment.
To register for this free event, call 219-836-3477.