Beebe to present stroke information

Beebe Medical Center invites the public to a free presentation on stroke from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, at the Lewes Public Library. Refreshments will be served. The event brings attention to May as Stroke Awareness Month.

Stroke is a life-altering event. It is the third-leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. It is the No. 1 cause of life-long disability. Yet, with early treatment, the effects of stroke often can be minimized.

Speakers at Tuesday’s event will be neurologist Abraham Scheer, MD, Medical Director of Neurology/Stroke Services at Beebe Medical Center; and Lynn Toth, RN, MSN, Cardiovascular Medical Specialist at Beebe Medical Center. Ms. Toth will talk about the signs and symptoms of stroke and Dr. Scheer will talk about the advances in stroke emergency care at Beebe Medical Center, a certified Advanced Primary Stroke Center.

Free health screenings to determine one’s risk for stroke will be offered by Beebe Medical Center community health nurses throughout the event. They will be checking cholesterol levels, blood pressure, glucose, and body mass index (BMI).

It is critically important to call 911 if a stroke is suspected. Waiting results in a loss of valuable time needed to begin treatment. Symptoms include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs
• Sudden confusion
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking – dizziness or loss of balance