Community turns out for stroke awareness event

UHS kicked off May as Stroke Awareness Month with a free interactive and educational stroke awareness event for the public.

Held on May 1 at UHS Vestal, the event gave community members the opportunity to connect with UHS stroke experts to learn more about what a stroke is, including warning signs and risk factors.

Attendees also learned how to be proactive about reducing their stroke risk by checking their blood pressure and eating right, and were even able to try out some rehab equipment.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts.

When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

For more information about the UHS Stroke Center, click here.