Pardee UNC Health Care to Host Free Stroke Screenings

Pardee UNC Health Care will host free stroke screenings with neurologist Joel Callahan, MD and vascular surgeons Rick Hobson, MD and Andrew Sticco, MD in their office on Thursday, May 12, and Tuesday, May 17 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Appointments are required; call 828-696-1087 to schedule. Please leave your name and number and someone will call you back to confirm your screening date and time.

“Stroke is the number one cause of disability in the United States,” says neurologist Joel Callahan, MD. “It’s also the fifth-leading cause of death.” A stroke happens when blood flow is cut off from the brain. When the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, brain cells start to die. “The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable,” adds vascular surgeon Rick Hobson, MD. “There are lifestyle choices that can help, like not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and eating healthy foods. Taking stock of your risk factors and attending screening opportunities like this one are also smart approaches to reducing your risk.”

To qualify for this free stroke screening, you must be over 50 and a current or former smoker, or have diagnosed hypertension or a prior stroke. The stroke screening will use an ultrasound to view the carotid artery in the neck, which can detect blockages that may lead to a stroke. The ultrasound is painless, and the test should take only 15 minutes. Pardee physicians will also be able to answer any questions and provide health information.