Tenet Health Central Coast Class Helps With Stroke Awareness and Prevention

This CBS affiliate news segment highlights Tenet Health Central Coast’s community event to raise awareness of strokes. Dr. Kathryn Haran, the Chair of Emergency Medicine at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, spoke to media and attendees regarding what to do if you suspect someone (or you) is having a stroke, and how to prevent them.

Although 1 in 4 Americans suffer from a stroke each year, some studies show that up to 60% of Americans cannot name even one stroke symptom. When one thinks about how many friends and family they have, and the likelihood that 1 in 4 will have a stroke, it demonstrates why this event is essential.

Kristi Ermigarat, Clinical Stroke Coordinator for Tenet Health Central Coast, added that strokes are a particular health challenge in San Luis Obispo County:

• SLO County’s hypertension rate is higher than the state: (31% compared to 29%) and hypertension is a significant cause for stroke.
• Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in SLO County … and that is higher than the rest of California.