Inova Loudoun Hospital Offering Screenings and Assessments for Stroke Awareness Month (May)

Leesburg, VA – April 30, 2015 – Inova Loudoun Hospital is offering free blood pressure checks and stroke risk assessments every Friday during the month of May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month. Since time is critical in stroke treatment, recognizing the signs of a stroke can save a life. The faster a stroke patient gets to the emergency room, the better chance for a positive outcome.

The public is encouraged to stop by Inova Loudoun Hospital, Cafeteria Alcove, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg any Friday in May from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  In addition to the blood pressure checks and stroke risk assessments there will be free stroke literature, giveaways include Cindy Chambers’ book, Beamer Learns the Signs of a Stroke and How to Help, stroke related crosswords and word puzzles for kids.

Inova Loudoun Hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. This Gold Seal of Approval™ recognizes facilities that make exceptional efforts to meet the unique needs of stroke patients and foster better outcomes for stroke care. Inova Alexandria, Inova Fairfax, Inova Fair Oaks and Inova Mount Vernon are also Primary Stroke Centers.

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or bursts. Without oxygen, that part of the brain starts to die, and can cause sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, dizziness or a sudden severe headache. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the U.S. On average, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds.

Media Contact: Reneé Brohard, APR, renee.brohard@inova.org

# # #Inova Loudoun Hospital, serving Loudoun County for over 100 years, is part of Inova, a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Visit us on the web at www.inova.org/ilh. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InovaLoudounHospital.