May is National Stroke Awareness Month.  In recognition, TrustPoint Hospital and Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) will team up to host a celebration for survivors of stroke and for their loved ones. 

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and the No. 1 cause of adult disability.  Stroke is a “brain attack”, cutting off the vital blood and oxygen to the brain cells that control everything we do – from speaking, to walking and breathing.  There are an estimated 795,000 strokes in our country each year, yet 1 in 4 Americans could not name a single stroke risk factor.  We should also all be aware and know the signs of stroke.  If an individual has any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. 

Symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of 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

On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 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, with about 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today – including many from Rutherford and the surrounding counties.  John Witt, MD is a neurologist here in Murfreesboro who serves as the Medical Director for both the Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation at TrustPoint Hospital and for the Stroke Program at MTMC.  According to Dr. Witt, “Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process and it is important for an individual and their loved ones to know that there is always hope.  I encourage my patients and their family members to learn as much as they can about stroke recovery and available resources.  Emotional support is crucial – and sharing with others who share the journey in stroke recovery can be invaluable”.

This event will take place on Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 9:30 – 11 a.m.  It will be held at TrustPoint Hospital.  There will be free cake and punch for all – but more importantly there will be stories of hope shared among those who attend.  If you and / or your loved ones are interested in participating, please RSVP to Rodney at 615 848-5754.

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