Kiwanis October 29 Meeting Program: Angela McCall-Brown from the Stroke Center at Overlook Medical Center spoke on "Stroke: Managing your Risk”

Angela McCall-Brown (left in photo) from the Stroke Center at Overlook Medical Center spoke on "Stroke: Managing your Risk” at the October 29 Kiwanis luncheon. Nancy Boucher (right) introduced her.

Angela said that Overlook treats almost 900 strokes per year, ages 17 through 101. She noted that we need to know our risks factors for stroke so we can try to control the risks. Risk factors include age, gender, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, etc.

It is possible to modify some risk factors and Angela described actions that can be taken to reduce the chance of having a stroke. About 60 percent of strokes are the result of high blood pressure so blood pressure should be brought under control. Treatment of modifiable risk factors should be taken very seriously.

Angela handed out a refrigerator magnet listing Stroke warning signs and symptoms. She emphasized the importance of immediate treatment. Call 911 if any of them start.

Members of the audience enthusiastically applauded her helpful and interesting presentation.  To learn more about Stroke prevention and treatment, please visit the Overlook Medical Center website.