May is American Stroke Month: University Hospitals Offering Free Screenings and Educational Events

CLEVELAND – May is American Stroke Month, and University Hospitals Neurological Institute is offering the community peace of mind with free stroke screenings, educational events and health talks with neurologists.

It’s important to know the warning signs of stroke. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes, but few people know the signs. Use of the acronym BE FAST to help remember the signs of stroke, and actions to take if someone near you is experiencing them.

B.E. F.A.S.T.

• Balance: Balance off
• Eyes: Blurry vision
• Face: Face droops
• Arms: Arm drifts downward
• Speech: Words slurred
• Time: Symptoms, call 9-1-1

“A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain is either blocked or ruptures, intervening with blood flow to the brain,” explained Cathy Sila, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurology at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the Gilbert W. Humphrey Endowed Professor of Neurology. “The best way to treat a stroke is to prevent a stroke. It’s important to know your risk factors – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Making healthy choices, such as quitting smoking, watching your weight and exercising regularly can help with stroke prevention.”

The stroke risk screenings offered throughout the health system and community this month include an assessment of blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and body mass index. Preregistration isn't required.

The screenings and education events will be offered at the following locations this year:

• Thursday, May 1 | 2 – 5 p.m.
  Parma-Powers Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library
  6996 Powers Boulevard, Parma
  
  
• Tuesday, May 6 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  UH Geauga Medical Center
  Main Lobby
  13207 Ravenna Road, Chardon
  
  
• Tuesday, May 6 | 7:30 – 10 a.m.

  UH Elyria Medical Center
  Main lobby
  630 East River Street, Elyria
  
  

• Tuesday, May 6 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

  Western Reserve Health Center
  231 Seasons Road, Hudson
  *No screenings. Education only.
  
  

• Wednesday, May 7 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  UH Cleveland Medical Center
  Atrium (near cafeteria)
  11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
  
  

• Monday, May 12 | 12 – 2 p.m.
  UH Geneva Medical Center
  Cafeteria
  870 West Main Street, Geneva
  
  
• Wednesday, May 14 | 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

  UH Samaritan Medical Center
  Ashland University Convocation Center
  638 Jefferson Street, Ashland
  
  

• Thursday, May 15 | 5 – 7 p.m.

  Southwest General Health Center
  Williams Conference Center, Rooms A-D, 18697 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights
  
  

• Thursday, May 15 | 6 – 8 p.m.
  Elyria Public Library – West Branch
  1194 W River Road, Elyria
  Stroke 101 Health Talk with screening event after presentation.
  
  
• Friday, May 16 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  UH Brunner Sanden Deitrick Wellness Center
  8655 Market Street, Mentor
  
  
• Saturday, May 18 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  UH Portage Medical Center
  Haymaker Farmers Market
  217 North Mantua Street, Kent
  
  
• Tuesday, May 20 | 8 – 10 a.m.
  UH St John Medical Center
  29000 Center Ridge Road, Westlake
  
  
• Tuesday, May 20 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  Western Reserve Hospital
  1900 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls
  *No screenings. Education only.
  
  
• Wednesday, May 21 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  UH Ahuja Medical Center
  Solon Recreation Center
  35000 Portz Pkwy, Solon
  
  
• Monday, May 26 | 12 – 2 p.m.
  UH Conneaut Medical Center
  Board Room
  158 West Main Road, Conneaut
  
  
• Wednesday, May 28 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  UH Cleveland Medical Center
  Atrium (near cafeteria)
  11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland