This month we are highlighting that it is Stroke Awareness Month. On Thursday, May 18th from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the large upstairs classroom at Sportsmen’s, we’ll have a presenter from the American Heart Association share some information that includes warning signs such as F.A.S.T.
According to the National Stroke Association, someone in the United States dies from a stroke every four minutes. It’s the fourth leading cause of death in the US, and up to 80% of all strokes are preventable by managing risk factors.
The Brigham and Women’s Center for Community Wellness at Sportsmen’s (CCW, the fitness center and mezzanine adjacent to court 5) was built primarily to stage important conversations about how to improve the health of adults of all ages in our community, with particular emphasis on cardiovascular health. We want to emphasize how our everyday decisions, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and choosing healthier foods (and playing lots of tennis, of course) can keep us out of the emergency room.
We hope members, parents and even guests are taking full advantage of the free fitness center, especially when you’re waiting for your child. We’re thrilled to now have a certified fitness trainer on staff (Coach Marcel) and Coach Renaud will soon be certified as well. Both are reachable through the front desk, and they’re happy to help you set up a fitness routine that works for you.
In addition, we’re launching a series of monthly conversations on topics that are critical to our community, beginning on Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 PM in the upstairs large classroom.
Dr. Daniel Hegg, an Emergency Physician at MA General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital will join us to discuss the signs and prevention of stroke in people of all ages. Dan has a history of volunteering his time while in medical school teaching stroke prevention to churches in Harlem, and we expect his presentation to be interactive and conversational. Remember: strokes affect people of all ages, so we ALL need to be prepared!
We hope that you’ll attend, and help us spread the word as well. Depending on questions, the presentation should last about an hour, and light snacks will be provided. Please register by emailing so that we have a headcount, but if you forget to register, please come anyway!!
FACE DROOPING
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?
ARM WEAKNESS
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH DIFFICULTY
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?
TIME TO CALL 9-1-1
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don’t delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.