Every second counts when someone suffers a stroke. The sooner treatment can be administered, the better the outcome.
“Time is brain,” said Jennifer Biank, a clinical nurse specialist at Community Hospital. “We want to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of stroke so that people can get the help they need faster.”
To help meet that goal, Community Healthcare System is hosting a free Stroke & Diabetes Awareness Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. Free health screenings and lab work will be available.
“Strokes are the No. 1 cause of disability globally – not just in the United States,” Biank said. “Strokes are also the fifth-leading cause of death, and diabetes is the eighth-leading cause of death. As a stroke nurse, it’s important to me that I teach the public how to prevent strokes before they happen.”
Diabetes, among other factors, can contribute to a stroke. Lack of insulin can lead to inflammation and hardening of the arteries – a leading cause of stroke.
“Education is a key factor in helping us keep our patients safe and healthy,” Biank said. “We can protect each individual person and be there for them – not only in the acute care setting, but at home and in the public.”
In addition to free medical screenings, the fair will include expert speakers, informational booths and vendors.
Speakers include medical staff from Community Healthcare System who will address a range of topics, including “Stroke is an Emergency – Call 911”; “Stress Less & Eliminate Inflammatory Foods from Your Diet for a Healthier You”; and “Managing Stroke Risk Factors.”
In between lectures, attendees will be able to visit booths where stroke survivors, local experts and vendors can provide additional information.
“Attendees will get tickets for entry into a raffle, and we will raffle off prizes every 45 minutes,” Biank said. “There are a ton of giveaways. We want participants to learn, but also have fun while doing it.”
Community Healthcare System recommends attendees register in advance for the fair, but walk-ins are welcome.
“There's never been a time that someone has walked away from our Stroke & Diabetes Awareness Fair and said, ‘I wasted my time,’” Biank said. “Everyone learns at least one thing. That one thing could make all the difference in the world.”
To register for Community Healthcare System’s Stroke & Diabetes Awareness Fair, call (219) 836-3477. For more information, visit COMHS.org/strokefair.
