During the May seminars participants will be offered free blood pressure screenings. According to American Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and the most important risk factor for stroke, which can be controlled. However, more than 20 percent of all people who do suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) are unaware of their condition. A blood pressure screening can help people uncover and address the risk.
“Westlake Hospital is a certified Primary Stroke Center, which means that the stroke care our hospital provides is in compliance with national standards, clinical guidelines and outcomes of care established by the Joint Commission,” said Ruth Matthei, RN, Chief Nursing Officer. “Stroke education and prevention are very important to our mission and quite dear to our hearts – as we see first-hand how devastating stroke can be.”
Every first Thursday of the month, Westlake Hospital holds support group meetings for stroke survivors and caregivers. The support group is led by Lee Moarn, RN, BSN, Stroke Coordinator, who himself is a stroke survivor. “Stroke can be very isolating, so it is important for stroke survivors to meet others who can help them face and overcome common challenges,” said Moarn. “As a stroke survivor, I know how important it is for both survivors and caregivers to make new friends, socialize, gain realistic feedback and to help others and find meaning in life that may have been lacking,” Moarn added.
In the upcoming series of stroke education seminars, Westlake Hospital put together a panel of experts who will provide helpful information about stroke risk factors and how those can be controlled.
Stroke Awareness MonthSeminar Series
Thursday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, Westlake Hospital Senior Center
Nutrition and Stroke Prevention
Joanna Nauman, Dietitian
Friday, May 20, 12 noon – 1 p.m., Westlake Hospital Conference Rooms A-D
Statins (cholesterol medications) and Stroke Prevention
Charlene Hope, Doctor of Pharmacy
Tuesday, May 24, 11 a.m. – 12 noon, Westlake Hospital Senior Center
Stroke Awareness Bingo
Lee Moarn, RN, BSN, Stroke Coordinator
Future Events
Friday, July 15, 12 noon – 1 p.m., Westlake Hospital Conference Rooms A-D
Anti-Coagulation Medications (blood thinners) and Stroke Prevention
Friday, September 16, 12 noon – 1 p.m., Westlake Hospital Conference Rooms A-D
Hypertension (high blood pressure) Medications and Stroke Prevention
Friday, November 18, 12 noon – 1 p.m., Westlake Hospital Conference Rooms A-D
The Safe Management of Medications at Home
All seminars are free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Please call (866) 938-7256 to reserve a seat.
Westlake Hospital is located at 1225 West Lake Street in Melrose Park. The Conference Rooms A-D are located in the lower level of the hospital. The Senior Center is located on the first floor in the Professional Office Building. See map. Please visit westlakehosp.com or call (866) 938-7256 for more information.
About Westlake Hospital
Westlake Hospital is a 225-bed hospital located in Melrose Park that is accredited by the Joint Commission as Primary Stoke Center. The hospital offers a comprehensive array of advanced inpatient, outpatient and surgical services and is an area leader in bariatric surgery, stroke care and rehabilitative medicine, gynecology, surgical services, and behavioral health. Westlake Hospital is owned by Tenet Healthcare Corporation, a national, diversified healthcare services company with more than 105,000 employees united around a common mission: to help people live happier, healthier lives. The company operates 80 hospitals, more than 200 outpatient centers. Visit www.westlakehosp.com for more information.
Contact:
Viola Bielobradek
Marketing & PR
708) 441-7726
