Baystate Health to Offer Three Free Virtual Events During Stroke Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health is offering three free informative virtual events during May’s Stroke Awareness Month.

“Stress, Lifestyle, and Silent Stroke,” presented by Dr. Rajiv Padmanabhan, stroke director in the Department of Neurology at Baystate Health, will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. He will discuss how many people feel stress at some level in their lives and whether stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices cause stroke or even a silent stroke.

“Signs of a Mini-Stroke in Women,” presented by Dr. Heydi Flores Podadera of the Department of Neurology at Baystate Health, will be held on Tuesday, May 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. Women have a higher lifetime risk for stroke, and Podadera will discuss mini-stroke symptoms that could be missed, as well as causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

“Stroke Rehab at Home: Hand Therapy Exercises,” presented by Michelle Lantaigne, an occupational therapist with Baystate Rehabilitation Care, will be held on Monday, May 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. Motor impairment of the hand is common after a stroke, and stroke rehabilitation and exercises to regain or build strength is part of the recovery process. Lantaigne will discuss the role of occupational therapy in stroke recovery and provide helpful hand exercises to do at home.

To register for the free stroke events, visit baystatehealth.org/strokeseries.