The University of Tennessee Medical Center is teaming up with Colonial Heights United Methodist Church to hold a free community health screening event on Friday, Oct. 10. The event, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Colonial Heights United Methodist, located at 6321 Chapman Highway in Knoxville, offers stroke risk assessments and vascular screening.

“These screenings are so important because stroke is the third leading cause of death for men and women in the United States,” said Jennifer Henry, stroke coordinator at UT Medical Center. “These screenings will help people to understand if they may be at risk for stroke. We also strongly encourage everyone to recognize the stroke warning signs and to call 911 immediately if they or a loved one experience any stroke symptoms.”

The symptoms, according to Henry, include the following.

• Weakness – Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Trouble Speaking – Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding.
• Vision Problems – Sudden onset of double vision, dimness or loss of vision.
• Headache – Sudden severe headache without apparent cause.
• Dizziness – Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or loss of balance, especially in combination with other signs.

The screenings offered by UT Medical Center will include blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index and carotid Doppler scan. Participants are asked to not eat or drink for at least six to eight hours prior to testing (medications may be taken with water).

While the screenings are free, registration is required. To schedule your appointment, call 865.305.6970.