ST. GEORGE — Each year, around 800,000 people will have a stroke in the United States, with about three quarters of those people being over the age of 65.
According to a press release from Intermountain Dixie Regional Medical Center, it is important to know the risk of stroke, know the warning signs of stroke and know what resources are available to help provide care. Along these lines, and in honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, DRMC will host a free stroke seminar on Friday morning at the Intermountain Cancer Center of St. George.
“Stroke is the leading cause of preventable disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the country,” Dr. Swati Laroia, who directs Dixie Regional’s stroke care program, said in the press release. “With this seminar, we hope to better educate the community about stroke risk factors, prevention and new treatments offered at Dixie Regional. We are here to help you live the healthiest life possible.”
When a person suffers a stroke, nearly 2 million neurons are lost every minute treatment is delayed, which means it is imperative to get to the hospital as soon as possible.
“A stroke can take away the things we take for granted, from feeding ourselves, driving, moving independently to even speaking,” Laroia said. “This causes us to depend on others, often strangers, for the simplest of tasks like using the bathroom, eating or bathing. Prevention is key to avoiding stroke. By understanding your personal risk factors and optimizing your health, we can lower your chances of having a stroke.”
In addition to Laroia, other presenting physicians at the stroke seminar include Dr. Ben Fox, Dr. Doug Wirthlin and Dr. Bryndon Hatch.
For more information about the stroke seminar, call (435) 251-6808.
from 9-11 a.m. in the Conference Center (600 S. Medical Center Drive) and is free to attend.