CGHS/MCCG Take the Lead during National Stroke Awareness Month

Educational Activities Planned for May MACON, GA (May 4, 2011) - The Georgia Neuro Center at The Medical Center of Central Georgia (MCCG) and Central Georgia Rehabilitation Hospital (CGRH), a service of Central Georgia Health System, recognize the importance of educating the community about stroke, the third leading cause of death and leading cause of disability in America, during National Stroke Awareness Month. After teaming up on Thursday at 10:15 a.m. with Macon Mayor Robert Reichert for a proclamation in City Hall, The Georgia Neuro Center and CGRH will begin their educational campaign. Employees will hit the city streets to distribute informational flyers to businesses, faith-based organizations, physician offices and assisted living facilities. The annual Media Day at CGRH is set for Tuesday from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Local columnist Ed Grisamore, Rev. Curtis Raines from New Pilgrim Baptist Church and local attorney Virgil Adams will participate in activities that simulate stroke symptoms. Two stroke survivors, Thomas Miller, who speaks through a Dynavox®, and Nancy Huitt, whose unborn daughter suffered a stroke 24 hours before her birth, will speak. This is not a public event, but the media are invited to attend. The 5th Annual Stroke Symposium on Wednesday, May 18 will present engaging insight on stroke-related topics to physicians, nurses, clinicians, caregivers and the community. Educators and physicians will lead separate 30- to 60-minute sessions and a roundtable discussion will wrap the event, held in Eversole Auditorium on MCCG's campus. Angioscreens® will be offered from 3:40 p.m. to 5 p.m. This quick, non-invasive screening detects the risk of stroke and heart disease. Cost is $50. Please call 1-800-627-2393 for an appointment; space is limited. An invite-only executive luncheon on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. in the Macon Marriott City Center includes a speech from Dr. Vipul Parekh, Medical Director for Inpatient Neurology Services, titled ""Preventing Strokes - A Personal Experience."" Stroke survivor Dr. William Hortman, a veterinarian, will also speak. This is not a public event, but the media are invited to attend. A traveling exhibit from Georgia Artists with Disabilities will be on display at CGRH from May 9 through June 3. Many mediums of artwork are included in the show, such as pottery, painting, sculpture, woodcarving, photography, weaving, and others. The Georgia Neuro Center and CGRH seek to help the community better understand stroke risk factor management, recognition of and response to stroke symptoms, and recovery from stroke.