Free Stroke Risk Screenings To Be Held on October 26 at Skyline Medical Center

NASHVILLE, TN.  Free stroke risk screenings are being offered at Skyline Medical Center on Wednesday, October 26, from 7:30-10:30 a.m.  The screenings include blood pressure and glucose checks, as well as risk assessment tests which will be reviewed by nurses who can help participants determine their risk for stroke.  The screenings will be held in the Skyline Rehab Center, located on the hospital's third floor.

Because space is limited, reservations are required by calling TriStar MedLine at 342-1919 or 1-800-242-5662.

Stroke is a “brain attack”, cutting off vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells.  Most strokes occur when arteries are blocked by blood clots or by the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits. Some strokes can be caused by arteries rupturing when weak spots on the blood vessel wall break.

Every year, stroke strikes more than 700,000 Americans - killing 160,000 and forever changing the lives of many who survive.  The good news is that many strokes can be prevented.  New treatments can help stop the brain damage and disability, if immediate medical attention is sought.

Reducing Risk
Everyone has some stroke risk factors.  A few stroke risk factors are beyond our control, such as being over age 55, being a male, being an African-American, having diabetes, and having a family history of stroke.  It is even more important that people with these risk factors learn about the lifestyle and medical changes they can make to prevent a stroke.

Medical stroke risk factors include:  previous stroke, previous episode of transient ischemic attack or “TIA,” high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease. 

Lifestyle stroke risk factors include:  smoking, being overweight and drinking too much alcohol.  Many self-help programs are available to help people with these lifestyle risk factors.

Recognizing Symptoms - Stroke is an Emergency!
Few Americans know the symptoms of stroke.  Learning them - and knowing what to do when they occur - could save your life.  Common stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call 911 if you see or have any of these symptoms.  Treatment can be more effective if provided early.  Getting emergency medical treatment is important for several reasons:  Only a doctor can tell for sure if you are having a stroke or a TIA.  And, if you are having a stroke, emergency medical treatment could save your life and greatly improve your chances for successful rehabilitation and recovery. 

Skyline is the first hospital in Tennessee to earn “Primary Stroke Center Certification" from the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.  Skyline is recognized nationally for its neuroscience services, and according to HealthGrades, the nation’s healthcare quality experts, has earned the top rating, Five Stars, for the treatment of stroke patients for the past three years.  In addition to its neuroscience services, Skyline is also known for its cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, rehabilitation and emergency services.  Located at 3441 Dickerson Pike on the highest point in Davidson County, Skyline Medical Center is an ultra-modern facility, featuring all private patient rooms.  Part of the TriStar Health System family of hospitals, Skyline is located on a 59-acre campus which is also home to the 200,000 square-foot Skyline Medical Plaza, providing convenient access to physician offices and a pharmacy.