Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to Host Stroke Symposium

Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is hosting a free stroke symposium on May 4.

The symposium will focus on stroke prevention, stroke symptoms and the importance of early intervention.

"Stroke is one of the top five leading causes of death in the United States and we are increasingly seeing the disease affect younger people," said Dr. Tracie Caller, Director of CRMC’s Stroke Program.

According to the American Stroke Association, about 795,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. That means, on average, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds.

As part of the symposium, a stroke survivor will share her experience and how the identification of stroke symptoms by her co-workers helped her receive early intervention and care.

"Awareness and education are crucial in promoting the reduction of risk factors for stroke, as many causes of stroke are potentially preventable," said Dr. Caller.

It is recommended that people use "FAST" to help them remember the warning signs of a stroke:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the person’s speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you detect any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The symposium will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the hospital's main auditoriums.