Annual walk raises awareness about stroke

Every year, close to 800,000 people suffer a stroke. Saturday morning, The Hospitals of Providence is holding its third annual Strides Against Stroke Walk and free health screenings at the Cielo Vista Mall.

A stroke is a cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain and the arteries within the brain. There are two types: an ischemic stroke, when a blood clot blocks blood and oxygen from flowing to the brain, and a hemorrhagic stroke, when an artery within the brain bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.

The Hospitals of Providence wants residents to remember FAST. F: facial drooping, A: arm weakness, S: speech difficulty, T: to call 911.

The Hospitals of Providence says 80% of strokes are preventable. Strokes can be prevented by managing your diet, exercising, decreasing alcohol intake and stopping smoking.

This year’s Strides Against Strokes Walk focuses on prevention. The goal is to educate the community about the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and get them to their doctors.

The event is from 7 to 11 A.M. on the first floor near JCPenny at Cielo Vista Mall.

Health screenings will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.