Piedmont Macon to host events around Middle Georgia during Stroke Awareness Month

Monica Cook, stroke program manager at Piedmont Macon, said the events are free and open to the community.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Piedmont Macon is hosting events across Middle Georgia throughout May in recognition of Stroke Awareness Month.

Stroke Awareness Month is a national observance aimed at educating the public about the warning signs of stroke, the importance of timely treatment, and steps to reduce risk through lifestyle changes and proper medical care.

Monica Cook, stroke program manager at Piedmont Macon, shared the importance of remembering the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T., which highlights key stroke warning signs:

• Balance – Sudden loss of balance

• Eyes – Vision changes

• Face – Facial drooping

• Arms – Arm weakness

• Speech – Speech difficulty

• Terrible headache – Sudden, severe headache

“Time is brain,” Cook said. “For every minute that passes by and the blood flow is not restored to that brain tissue, someone is losing two million brain cells. So time is brain.”

Piedmont Macon will host two public events during the month:

• Community Education Event – May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dickey Farms. The event will provide information on recognizing stroke symptoms and prevention tips.

• Stroke Stroll – May 15 at 12:30 p.m. at Piedmont Macon Medical Center. The event celebrates stroke survivors with a symbolic walk through the hospital.

Both events are free and open to the public.