UHS stroke awareness event is free to public

UHS will host a free, interactive stroke awareness and education event for the public, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, May 1, in the lobby of UHS Vestal, 4417 Vestal Parkway East.

No need to sign up in advance—just stop by to learn more from UHS stroke experts about: 

• General stroke information, including warning signs and risk factors 
• Being proactive with blood pressure checks and “File of Life” cards 
• Reducing your risk by eating right
• Learning about preventive treatment and stroke procedures
• Recovering from a stroke if you have one (Try out some rehab equipment!)

It’s important to know the facts about stroke:

One in six deaths in the United States is due to stroke and, every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Nearly one in four stroke victims is a person who’s had a stroke previously.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability, reducing mobility, for example, in more than half of stroke survivors age 65 and older. 

Always remember the BEFAST approach to identifying and responding to a person who may be having a stroke: Sudden loss of balance. Loss or vision or double vision in one or both eyes. Face weakness: Can the person smile? Has the mouth or an eye drooped? Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms, and does one arm seem weak? Speech: Is it slurred? Time: Time to call 911.