Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Sheds Light on Stroke Awareness Month

5/9/2024

POPLAR BLUFF, MO – As May marks Stroke Awareness Month, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center (PBRMC) is taking proactive steps to educate the community about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of strokes.

Strokes are often misattributed to other conditions or medications, particularly when experienced by individuals under the age of 65. Symptoms such as severe headaches, impaired vision, confusion, or difficulty articulating words may indicate a stroke, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Throughout May, PBRMC healthcare providers are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding of stroke warning signs within the community. By empowering individuals with knowledge about stroke prevention and recognition, PBRMC aims to mitigate the impact of this serious health condition.

To help educate, PBRMC will be hosting a Lunch & Learn on Thursday, May 23 led by PBRMC Stroke Coordinator, Kim Shackleford.

"Through education and awareness initiatives, we strive to equip individuals with the tools they need to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms promptly,” Shackleford said. “Strokes can happen to anyone at any time and are emergencies where seeking help quickly is critical. Every second counts.”

Every year in the United States, more than 800,000 people have a new stroke. But according to the American Stroke Association, up to 80% of strokes could be prevented by controlling the health conditions that raise your risk for stroke.

PBRMC encourages everyone to take advantage of the resources available during Stroke Awareness Month and join the effort to promote stroke awareness and prevention.

For more information about stroke symptoms, prevention tips, and available resources, please visit pbrmc.com/stroke-care. To register for the event, visit pbrmc.com/classes-events-programs.

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