The Live Healthy Douglas Coalition is hosting an informational luncheon at 12:30 p.m., May 16, 2013 in honor of May’s National Stroke Awareness Month. The luncheon is part of the Coalition’s on-going efforts to raise stroke awareness throughout Cobb and Douglas counties. The public is invited to attend.
It is estimated that 795,000 Americans will suffer a stroke this year, yet most people in the U.S. cannot identify stroke warning signs or risk factors. In Georgia, there are 3,775 stroke deaths* each year and the state’s stroke death rate is 17% higher than the national average.*
Studies indicate that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through risk factor management; although public awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors has not improved during the past five years.
Beverly Kartheiser, Health Educator for CDPH stated, “The coalition feels it is possible to change statistics for the better by providing people with the right information, such as knowing the signs of a stroke and how to act FAST, as well as knowing your own risk factors for a stroke.”
To increase public knowledge about strokes, the National Stroke Association encourages organizations to raise awareness in their communities by sponsoring community events and activities. Live Healthy Douglas Coalition will participate by hosting a Stroke Awareness Presentation, designed to educate citizens about risk factor management and how to recognize and respond to warning signs through the (acting FAST) method. See www.stroke.org/awareness for more information.
The Live Healthy Douglas Stroke Awareness Presentation will convene:
When: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, May 16, 2013
Where: Logan’s Roadhouse (Lunch is available for purchase) 9380 The Landing Drive, Douglasville, GA
Did You Know?
- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. • Between 1998 and 2008, the annual stroke death rate fell 34.8 percent in the United States. The actual number of stroke deaths declined 19.4 percent.
- By 2030, it is estimated that 4 million people will have had a stroke. This is nearly 25% higher than 2010 estimates.
- Stroke is an emergency! It’s important to learn stroke warning signs and how to respond to them. Emergency treatment may be available if a stroke is recognized FAST and 9-1-1 is called. Use the FAST test to remember warning signs:
National Stroke Association offers a free Stroke Awareness Resource Center with downloadable stroke educational information, graphics and ways to get involved in raising awareness. Learn more at www.stroke.org/awareness.
About Live Healthy Douglas Coalition
Our Mission: Making Douglas County a drug-free and healthier place to live by reducing youth substance use and improving lifestyle choices through community collaboration, advocacy, and education.
Contact: Bev Kartheisr, Coalition Chair at (770) 949-3139 for more information.
*Source: Georgia Department of Public Health Cardiovascular Disease Data Summary, 2012