Bayfront Health to Host Events for Stroke Awareness Month
Charlotte County, FL (May 2, 2014) – Bayfront Health will host several events during May to raise awareness of stroke risk factor management and how to recognize and respond to stroke warning signs by acting FAST.
- What: Stroke Symposium with Dr. Amy Mellor, Neurologist
- When: Thursday, May 29, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
- Where: Bayfront Punta Gorda Medical Office Building, 4th Floor Conference Room
- RSVP: 941-637-2497
- What: Health Fair Mobile Screenings
- When: May 17, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Winn-Dixie on Kings Hwy & Walgreens at 1800 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
- RSVP: 1-800-519-4325 (Spaces are limited)
- What: Cardiac Diet Nutrition Class
- When: May 6 & May 20, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Bayfront Punta Gorda Wellness Center, 733 East Olympia Ave.
- RSVP: 941-637-2497
About 795,000 people in the U.S. will have a stroke this year. More women have strokes than men, but seven out of 10 women said they are not aware they are more likely than men to have a stroke. Women are also less knowledgeable about risk factors. But the fact remains that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by managing controllable risk factors. Learn what they are at www.stroke.org/SYMP and begin managing your risk today.
National Stroke Association supports Bayfront Health in their effort to educate the community as it furthers their mission to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is a Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center and has received the prestigious Gold Plus designation for Stroke care from the American Heart Association’s Getting to the Guidelines program.
National Stroke Association offers a Stroke Awareness Resource Center with free downloadable stroke education information, graphics and ways to get involved in raising awareness.
To receive a free subscription to the National Stroke Association’s premier StrokeSmart® Magazine, call 941-637-2497.
Did You Know?
- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
- Stroke is a leading cause of adult long-term disability.
- Twice as many African Americans have strokes than whites. Stroke and heart disease account for one in four deaths among Hispanic men and one in three deaths among Hispanic women.
- Stroke is an emergency! It’s important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them. Time is an important factor in determining treatment options for stroke. The FDA-approved clot-buster medication should be given within three hours of symptom onset.
Use FAST to remember the warning signs of stroke:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
About Bayfront Health Port Charlotte
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte (formerly Peace River Regional Medical Center) is a 254-bed Joint Commission Accredited full service hospital that is more than a provider of medical excellence; it is where people come to be cared for and cared about. With expert physicians and staff in cardiovascular services, emergency care, and women’s services and through strategic partnerships with All Children’s Specialists-Johns Hopkins Medicine, Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic (FACT) Surgery, and now Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPortCharlotte.com.
About Bayfront Health Punta Gorda
Located in Punta Gorda, Bayfront Health Punta Gorda (formerly Charlotte Regional Medical Center) is a full-service hospital dedicated to abiding by the mission of: Caring professionals dedicated to serving our community. Founded in 1947, 208-bed Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is Joint Commission Accredited and an award-winning hospital, with stroke services, orthopedics and respiratory programs earning national distinction. At Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPuntaGorda.com.
About National Stroke Association
National Stroke Association’s mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. It is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for all impacted by stroke. Visit www.stroke.org for more information.
