Are You at Risk for Stroke?

May 4, 2010; Charleston, SC: In the time it takes to read this report, at least two strokes will have occurred, and at least one person will die. In May, we turn our attention to strokes as part of Stroke Awareness Month. Yet, strokes are a very real health issue all year long. In the United States, strokes kill about 137,000 people each year, making it the third leading cause of death. And while you may think a stroke impacts only older adults, a stroke can happen to anyone at any age. Men, in particular, tend to have strokes at a younger age. But women overall have more strokes – 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.

On Thursday, May 20, Trident Health System will offer a free stroke screening from 9:15 – 11:30 a.m. at Trident Medical Center followed by a stroke prevention lecture at Noon with Dr. Thomas Privett and Dr. Matthew Wallen. Screenings will include lipid profile with glucose, blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, heart and vascular disease risk assessment, counseling and education related to risk factors.

Some stroke risk factors are beyond your control – being over the age of 55, male, black, having diabetes or having a family history of stroke. Yet many factors are in your power to control and monitor to reduce your chances of having a stroke, especially if you’re already in a high-risk population.

• Stop smoking.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• If your cholesterol is high, work with your doctor to lower it through diet, exercise and possibly medication.
• Incorporate exercise into your daily life.
• Watch the salt and fat in your diet.
• If your blood pressure is elevated, keep it under control.

Source: National Stroke Association

To register for this free screening, contact Consult-A-Nurse at 797-FIND (3463) or, for more information about this event, visit www.TridentHealthSystem.com. Registration is required.

Trident Health System is an HCA health care system comprised of two acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center, a 24 hour Emergency Department. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Trident Health System is committed to providing quality health services along with wellness information and opportunities to the communities it serves. For more information about Trident Health System, please visit our website at www.TridentHealthSystem.com or call 843.797.7000.