PLAINWELL, MI – Borgess-Pipp Hospital will offer a free stroke risk assessment and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening on Thursday, June 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on its lower level.
“Every year, vascular conditions like stroke and PAD claim thousands of lives,” said Kathy Russell, cardiovascular services manager, Borgess-Pipp Hospital. “Through this free event, our goal is to educate people about their risks and help detect the possibility of a condition before it becomes a larger health issue.”
Affecting millions of older Americans, PAD refers to the narrowing of arteries that supply blood and nutrients to the legs. Often the result of cholesterol buildup, PAD causes difficulty walking and may even lead to stroke or heart attack. Common symptoms include leg pain, cramping, tightness or fatigue, impotence, and leg wounds or ulcers that do not heal easily.
Often referred to as a “brain attack,” stroke is caused by a lack of blood supply to the brain. Stroke can be caused by a clot getting in the way of blood flow to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or can happen when a blood vessel ruptures (called a hemorrhagic stroke). About 795,000 Americans each year suffer a new or recurrent stroke. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.
Signs of stroke 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.
Stroke is a medical emergency. The most important thing a person can do if he/she notices the signs of a stroke is to call 9-1-1 immediately.
The Risk Factors
Factors that increase one’s chances of developing PAD include advancing age, gender (men are at greater risk until age 70), cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of exercise and uncontrolled stress. According to the American Vascular Association, despite its potential for complications like stroke, loss of limbs or death, vascular diseases like PAD tend to be under diagnosed in the U.S. However, if detected early, effective treatment options are available for many vascular conditions.
Primary risks for stroke include advancing age, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, unhealthy eating habits, obesity, excessive alcohol intake and physical inactivity. Learning to manage controllable risk factors through lifestyle changes can help prevent stroke or improve quality of life after a stroke.
Fast, Painless and Free
Funded through grants from The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation and Borgess Health, the stroke assessment/PAD screening is fast and painless. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. To register, call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135.
