Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association; yet, 80 percent of all strokes are preventable. To raise awareness during National Stroke Awareness Month and to help the community evaluate their risk for stroke, St. Mary Medical Center will host its annual Stroke Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, May 18 at the hospital, West Entrance, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave. in Hobart.
Healthcare specialists and leaders in the areas of stroke prevention, detection and treatment will present on a variety of stroke-related topics:
9 a.m. – Stroke is an Emerg-ency, Emergency Medical Services, St. Mary Medical Center;
9:30 a.m. – AFib: A Common & Preventable Cause of Stroke, Samer Ajam, M.D., Electrophysiology, St. Mary Medical Center;
10:45 a.m. – Stroke 101, Mark Simaga, M.D., Neurology, Medical Director of the Stroke Center;
12 p.m. – Rehabilitation after Stroke: A Patient’s Perspective, Acute Rehabilitation Team, St. Mary Medical Center; and 12:30 p.m. – Get Your Plate in Shape, Chef Ryan C. Smith, Production Supervisor/Chef.
The event will also feature a vendor fair providing stroke education and resources, and free health screenings, including lipid profile screening, A1C glucose screening, body composition and blood pressure. Twelve-hour fasting is recommended for the lipid profile and glucose screening.
Advance registration for this free event is necessary. To register, call 219-836-3477 or toll free at 1-866-836-3477. Attendees are encouraged to use the free valet parking at the West Entrance of the hospital.
