May Is Stroke Awareness Month
Jersey Shore Hospital Holds 'Celebrate Your Health'
Free Stroke Screening and Lecture
Jersey Shore-based doctor Cynthia K. Recinto to speak at the event
JERSEY SHORE, PA, May 11, 2001 - In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, the Jersey Shore Hospital is conducting a "Celebrate Your Health" free stroke screening and lecture at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 21 in the Hospital boardroom.
Cynthia K. Recinto M.D. and professional hospital staff will be on hand to assess stroke risks by providing blood pressure screenings and a check for neck artery blockage. The free stroke screening is open to the public and should help to determine whether or not a person is at-risk for stroke. The lecture, which will follow the screening, will focus on stroke awareness and prevention tips.
According to Dr. Recinto, early and immediate treatment of a stroke may limit the damage to the brain. Currently, only five percent of people experiencing a stroke receive early treatment because most patients wait an average of 22 hours to seek medical attention.
"It is vital for people to know that they should contact 911 if they are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke. There are instances where stroke symptoms are not necessarily painful, the warning signs often go unrecognized and people frequently do not seek emergency treatment. Immediate medical attention could mean the difference between life or death and the quality of life for the stroke survivor," said Dr. Recinto, who specializes in internal medicine in her private practice in Jersey Shore.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or becomes clogged by a blood clot or other particle. The blockage prevents the brain from gaining the oxygen it needs, causing the nerve cells in that area to stop functioning and die. The part of the body controlled by these cells cannot function - which can lead to death.
"Jersey Shore Hospital is sponsoring the event to help people celebrate their health by taking care of it. It is an extension of the hospital's mission to improve community wellness," said Dr. Recinto. "It is estimated that more than 70 percent of people in the United States do not know the risk factors or warning signs for stroke."
The Hospital's stroke screening is being held in conjunction with the Stroke Prevention Awareness and Recognition Campaign sponsored by KePro.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with approximately 160,000 Americans dying last year from it. While stroke is associated with older age, nearly 28 percent of strokes occur in those under 65 years of age.
Contact:
Jason Shade, Public Relations Director
|
