More than 50 people from the Knoxville area, and even a couple of international visitors, took advantage of free community stroke risk assessments and vascular screenings hosted by The University of Tennessee Medical Center. The screenings at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church in South Knoxville included checks and assessments for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body mass index, as well as carotid Doppler scans and dietary and health education counseling.

Carolyn Mynatt, 82, and her husband Bud, 84, of West Knoxville said they participate in these types of screenings whenever they are available in the community. Carolyn said she likes to know about important levels such as her cholesterol more often than the annual visit to her physician provides.

“I think it’s very beneficial to have these screenings because it gives you that in between check from your annual visits to your doctor,” said Carolyn Mynatt. “And it lets you know if you need to keep a better check on your diet or watch for anything else.”

Sandra Venero of West Knoxville came for the screenings as her 3-year-old son Jonathan paid close attention to the information given by the nurses and other healthcare professionals from UT Medical Center. Venero also brought her in-laws, Carmelo and Maria Venero, visiting from Venezuela, to be screened.

“We came because my husband, who is a Cardiology Fellow at UT Medical Center and the Graduate School of Medicine, knew about these screenings and tests and thought it would be good for all of us to be screened,” said Sandra Venero. “The screenings are very helpful to us because we can understand the pathology and our risk for diabetes, heart attack and stroke. It’s good for everyone to get these tests.”

The healthcare providers from UT Medical Center agreed about the importance of the health screenings.

“Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and the number one cause of adult disability,” said Jennifer Henry, RN, CNRN, Stroke Program Coordinator at UT Medical Center. “According to the National Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Screenings like this can help to detect problems and provide education that helps participants better understand how to implement healthy lifestyle changes.”

According to Henry, it is important to know the symptoms of stroke and what to do if they occur. Symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body; sudden trouble speaking or understanding; sudden vision problems; sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden severe headache with no known cause. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, call 911.

“I think it’s really nice that UT Medical Center provided these screenings,” said Bud Mynatt. “It’s important for our health and we really appreciate it.”

Click here for free online Stroke Risk Assessments.