May is National Stroke Awareness
Month St. Catherine’s Reaches Out to the Community
Smithtown, NY – May is a perfect time
to increase stroke awareness within the community. Stroke
is the third leading cause of death in America and the number
one cause of adult disability. A large proportion of the seven
million strokes each year could be prevented with better public
education and management of common risk factors. In an effort
to raise awareness and support this nation-wide initiative,
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center provided the community
with educational materials regarding recognition and prevention
of stroke. On Friday, May 18 the nursing staff held the stroke
awareness event and screened more than 80 community and staff
members for blood pressure throughout the day. They also answered
important questions, shared ideas and provided valuable resources
for all who attended.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and
nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures.
When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood
(and oxygen) it needs. Decreased blood flow to the brain causes
neurological damage.
Stroke is a medical emergency. Understanding the signs and
symptoms of a stroke can save millions of lives. According
to the National Stroke Association the five warning signs
of a stroke are:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially
on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
spoken words.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or
coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing these signs call
911 immediately. “Increasing awareness, providing education
and support are valuable tools for decreasing the risk of
stroke. It is vital to share this information with our community.
We are committed to reducing the risk of stroke, and are here
to support our community with rapid response from our emergency
services, if they should experience one. St. Catherine’s
is a leader in stroke care, equipped to meet the critical,
timely needs of its patients,” said Gara Edelstein,
Sr. Vice President Patient Care Services and CNO.
“Every minute is vitally important when you, a family
member or friend are experiencing signs of a stroke. As a
NY State Designated Stroke Center, St. Catherine’s can
help you as quickly as possible and as a model of stroke care
for NY State, patients can be confident they will receive
quality treatment,” she added.
This designation means the hospital passed rigorous inspection
and that the physicians, nurses and other professional staff
have had special education in the care of stroke patients.
There are ways to reduce your risk and decrease your chances
of having a stroke.
- Know your blood pressure. If high, work with your doctor
to lower it.
- If you smoke you can reduce your risk by quitting now.
- Include exercise in your daily routine.
- Find out from your doctor if you have atrial fibrillation.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Control your diabetes.
- Enjoy a low sodium, low fat diet.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is a member of Catholic
Health Services of Long Island and is devoted to providing
advanced healthcare, in an environment of compassion, to its
patients and their families. The Medical Center sits on a
110-acre campus and includes a 318-bed acute care hospital,
a 240-bed nursing home, a 298 unit senior housing facility,
and a medical office building.
For more information and educational literature on stroke,
or to be referred to a neurologist, please call (631) 870-3444.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lily Scarlett
Public&External Affairs
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center
50 Route 25A
Smithtown, NY 11787
PH:(631) 862-3523
Fax:(631) 862-3943
phyllis.scarlett@chsli.org
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