May is American Stroke Month: University Hospitals Offering Free Screenings and Educa-tional Events

May is American Stroke Month, and University Hospitals Neurological Institute is offering the community peace of mind with free stroke screenings, educational events and health talks with neurologists.

It’s important to know the warning signs of stroke. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes, but few people know the signs. Use of the acronym BE FAST to help remember the signs of stroke, and actions to take if someone near you is experiencing them.

B.E. F.A.S.T.

  • Balance: Balance off
  • Eyes: Blurry vision
  • Face: Face droops
  • Arms: Arm drifts downward
  • Speech: Words slurred
  • Time: Symptoms, call 9-1-1

“A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain is either blocked or ruptures, intervening with blood flow to the brain,” explained Cathy Sila, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology at Universi-ty Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Gilbert W. Humphrey Endowed Professor of Neurology. “The best way to treat a stroke is to prevent a stroke. It’s important to know your risk factors – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Making healthy choices, such as quitting smoking, watching your weight and exercising regularly can help with stroke prevention.”

The stroke risk screenings offered throughout the health system and community this month include an assessment of blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and body mass index. Preregistration isn’t required.

The screenings and education events will be offered at the following locations this year:

  • Thursday, May 15 | 6 – 8 p.m., Elyria Public Library – West Branch, 1194 W River Road, Elyria. Stroke 101 Health Talk with screening event after presentation.
  • Tuesday, May 20 | 8 – 10 a.m., UH St John Medical Center, 29000 Center Ridge Road, Westlake

Stroke Awareness Month: Stroke 101 Virtual health talk

  • Tuesday, May 20 | 6 – 7 p.m.
  • Presented by: Amanda Opaskar, MD, Stroke Medical Director, University Hospitals St. John Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

For more information about stroke risk factors and to learn more about the screenings and various events offered throughout May, visit: UHhospitals.org/StrokeRisk