HMC to Present Program on Stroke Prevention

HOLYOKE — As part of its ongoing “Dessert with the Docs” community-education series, Holyoke Medical Center will present a special program on stroke prevention on May 5 at 6 p.m. in the Auxiliary Conference Center.

Featured speakers will be Dr. M. Zubair Kareem, medical director of Stroke Services at Holyoke Medical Center, and Angela Smith, RN, HMC stroke coordinator.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and nothing can be more effective in stroke education than learning how to prevent one from happening. Stroke is the nation’s third-leading cause of death, and it occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Early treatment can minimize damage to the brain and potential stroke complications. Knowing the risk and controlling what one can is the best defense against having a stroke.

Neurologist Dr. Kareem and Stroke Coordinator Angela Smith will discuss what a stroke is, how to prevent a stroke, and how many other conditions can contribute to the risk of stroke. Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required and seating is limited.

For more information or to pre-register, call (413) 534-2789.