May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Baptist South Hosts Educational Program on Stroke Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment

Jacksonville, Florida, May 1, 2009 -- On Tuesday, May 19, beginning at 6 pm, Baptist Medical Center South will present "Stroke: Prevention, Recognition and Treatment" for the community. The free presentation will be held in the Azalea Conference Room near the main entrance of the hospital.

Led by Baptist South neurologist Gregory Sengstock, MD, medical director of the Stroke Center at Baptist South, the program seeks to increase public awareness of stroke risk factors and prevention, as well as emphasize the importance of seeking early treatment at a medical center with stroke care expertise.

Refreshments will be available starting at 6 pm, followed by Dr. Sengstock's presentation from 6:15 to 7:30 pm. There will be a question-and-answer session with Dr. Sengstock at the end of the lecture. Complimentary blood pressure screenings will be offered as well.

Please RSVP by calling 202.CARE (2273) by Monday, May 11.

For more information on stroke, please visit e-baptisthealth.com/stroke.

Stroke Facts
- A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die. Therefore, quick intervention is necessary to minimize damage to the brain and even prevent death.
- Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke, which is the nation's third leading cause of death.
- On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every 3.1 minutes.
- Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States.

Symptoms of a Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache

If one or more of these occur, act fast and call 911.