Corpus Christi doctors are raising awareness about stroke symptoms and prevention ahead of the first Coastal Bend Stroke Walk and Run.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Doctors at Corpus Christi Medical Center are putting a spotlight on a condition that impacts more than 750,000 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They’re talking about strokes and the importance of recognizing symptoms early and acting quickly.
CCMC’s awareness campaign comes in the form of an activity they are helping organize: the first Coastal Bend Stroke Walk and Run this Saturday at Cole Park.
David Irizarry, CEO of Corpus Christi Medical Center, says, “It is our commitment and our pleasure to create these events that spread the word and create better health awareness in our community.”
Dr. Lianel Perez-Mercado is a neurologist at Corpus Christi Medical Center and an expert on stroke treatment. She says a stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
“There are two different kinds of stroke,” Perez-Mercado explained. “The first one and the most common one is the ischemic stroke. This is when the artery completely blocks and blood cannot go through.”
Perez-Mercado says time is critical during a stroke.
“Whenever someone has a stroke in the first minute they start losing approximately 1.9 million cells,” she said. “This is why we want to bring awareness of how important it is to recognize the symptoms and bring patients for treatment right away.”
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She and Dr. Faheem Sheriff joined Barbi Leo on 3News First Edition Wednesday to talk about the walk and raise awareness about the importance of recognizing warning signs.
Sheriff, an interventional neurologist and neurocritical care specialist, says people can remember the warning signs by using the “BE FAST” method:
Balance — sudden loss of balanceEyes — sudden vision changesFace — drooping on one sideArm — weakness in one arm or legSpeech — slurred or confused speechTime — call 911 immediately
Sheriff says anyone experiencing stroke symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
“The key message to our viewers and to the public is to get medical attention immediately and not have any hesitation to call 911,” Sheriff said.
The event will feature a 5K walk/run and a children’s 1K course. Families and community members of all ages are invited to attend.
The Coastal Bend Stroke Walk and Run takes place Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Cole Park Pier in Corpus Christi. The event is free to attend, and T-shirts will be available for a $10 donation benefiting the American Heart Association.
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