Stroke Detection Plus, a mobile ultrasound service that does preventative health screenings throughout the Midwest will be conducting stroke and vascular screenings in Gallatin on Wednesday, May 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Daviess County Health Department.
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The service specializes in identifying the third leading cause of death, the number one leading cause of nursing home admission, and the number one leading cause of disability, which is stroke. The goal of Stroke Detection Plus’’ is to prevent disease before it disables. Using ultrasound for early detection, 75-80% of strokes can be prevented. Furthermore, the condition of plaque buildup that leads to stroke can be reversed.
Of the 750,000 strokes that occurred last year, 2/3 of those people showed no signs or symptoms prior to having a stroke. It is estimated that 97% of people would not recognize a sign or symptom if they were having one. This can be a silent disease until it disables.
“Going to Stroke Detection Plus is probably the most important thing I have ever done. You found an Aortic Aneurysm. Two days later I had surgery and I am doing fine. It was 7.8cm and my doctor said in three days I could have been gone. My wife and I are so grateful. Some of my friends have already come in to your screening.” Larry Morley – Trenton
It is very important to know the warning signs of a stroke. They are:
1) Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body.
2) Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
3) Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
4) Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
5) Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If someone has one or any combination of these warning signs it is critical to dial 911. Also, important to know, are the risk factors that are a predictor of stroke. They are:
1) Over the age of 40
2) More than 20 pounds overweight
3) Family history of stroke or heart disease
4) Diabetes
5) Smoking
6) High cholesterol
7) High blood pressure
8) Not exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes
9) Hypertension
10) Irregular heartbeat
“Early detection is key to living a long and healthy life,” said Gina Richmond, wellness coordinator for Stroke Detection Plus. “Being proactive rather than reactive is a great way to avoid in becoming a statistic.”
Richmond states, “The majority of stroke victims could not name a warning sign and 75-85% of strokes could have been avoided.”
Stroke Detection Plus screens the carotid arteries looking for plaque buildup or blockage. The vast majority of strokes occur because of a lack of blood flow to the brain. This test can determine the percentage of blockage restricting that flow.
The second test looks for aortic aneurysm, which is an enlargement of the vessel that feeds the lower extremities with blood. The third test is for peripheral vascular disease, which is blockage in the arms and legs. An abnormal result here puts people at a 4-6 times greater risk of coronary artery disease. The final screening is for Osteoporosis, which looks for low or abnormal bone mass. All four tests are $115, or any three tests are $95 and each individual test is $35.
The screening will be held at Daviess County Health Department in Gallatin on Wednesday May 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling toll free 877-732-8258.