RUSSELL, Ky. — May is Stroke Awareness Month and Bon Secours Kentucky Health System (BSKHS) is gearing up to host a Stroke Education Luncheon and free stroke risk screenings Friday, May 27, on the fifth floor of Bellefonte Centre (1000 Ashland Dr.) on the Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) campus. The screenings begin at 10:30 a.m. and lunch will begin at noon.
The speaker for the luncheon is neurologist Sreekanth Koneru, M.D. Koneru will speak on the topic,“Know Stroke: Save a Life.” A member of the BSKHS medical staff, Koneru practices at Tri-State Neuro Solutions, 2222 Winchester Ave., Suite C in downtown Ashland, Ky.
According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds despite 80 percent of strokes being preventable. Nearly 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, the leading-controllable risk factor for stroke. Stroke kills nearly 129,000 Americans annually and is the nation’s fifth most frequent cause of death.
OLBH Stroke Coordinator Natalie Grizzle, RN, BSN, said the luncheon and screenings provide empowerment to attendees.
“Our event will empower attendees by identifying their potential risks for strokes and then teaching them what to look for in regards to future risk factors,” Grizzle said. “A stroke is a medical emergency and with every minute lost in receiving treatment, additional damage is occurring in the brain. It is why it’s so important for everyone to recognize the signs of stroke and to seek help immediately if they occur.”
Kevin Compton, BSKHS communications and advocacy specialist, said attending the luncheon provides necessary resources to assess one’s risk of a stroke.
“May is stroke awareness month, which makes it a great time to consider your risks,” Compton said. “The screenings and information we’re offering at the luncheon are a perfect combination for assessing one’s risk and empowering that individual with education on how to manage those risks in the future.”
Space for the luncheon and screenings is limited. To RSVP for the free luncheon, call the OLBH CareLine at 606-833-CARE (2273).
