—  Mayra Serrano

Mayra Serrano, Senior Manager at the Center for Community Alliance for Research and Education at City of Hope’s Community and Outreach Center, provided an excellent talk on how to recognize strokes when they occur, and how to prevent them.

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted by a burst or blocked blood vessel.  If a stroke is not treated soon, permanent brain damage can occur; learning to recognize stroke symptoms is essential. Symptoms include sudden numbness in arms; sudden headache; sudden trouble speaking; sudden vision problems; and trouble walking or staying upright. When symptoms occur, it is better to call 911 than be driven to the hospital, as EMT’s can begin treatment at once and alert the hospital emergency room.

Susceptibility to stroke is caused by age; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; heart disease; obesity, among other conditions.  You can help prevent strokes by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake, and effectively treating high blood pressure. Mayra particularly recommended a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and fiber.      

We thank Mayra for an informative talk of great importance to our members.