The 100th annual Kern County Heart & Stroke Walk took place on Oct. 26, at Bakersfield College. The American Heart and Stroke Association took part in this event to raise awareness in the community.
There was a huge turnout in the support for the cause. The event had resource booths that promoted health information and supplied heart-healthy snacks and water.
Following the speakers, the attendees partook in a stretching and dancing warm up that many enjoyed, followed by a 0.5-mile walk for survivors and a 1.35-mile walk for all.
The event offered education on healthy safety tips for those to prevent a heart attack or stroke.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is limited by a clot that affects arteries and the brain. A heart attack is a blockage of blood to the heart muscle.
There are four major warning signs for a heart attack that include uncomfortable pressure in the chest, pain in one or both arms or back, neck, jaw, stomach, shortness of breath (with or without discomfort), and cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness.
When it comes to a stroke signs, literature uses the BE FAST acronym for balance, eyes, face, arms, speech and time. If someone loses their balance, gets blurry vision, part of their face droops, they cannot raise their arms over their head, they slur words or struggle to speak, then it is time to call 911.
The benefits of staying healthy were emphasized. These healthy recommended habits include daily exercise, improving sleep quality, and eating habits, not doing recreational drugs, being cautious of stress, and going to doctor regular checkups. These can make a significant difference in life, and decreasing the risks of these serious health conditions. All this can make a better change in both mental and physical aspects of health.
Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital provides for those recovering and in need of aid. It says, “9% decreased mortality rate within two years that follow their treatment, loved an average of 52 days longer, patients experience 8% lower mortality rate, 5% few emergency room visits.”
Memorial Hospital is the only one that has the certification for Thrombectomy which is the removal of blood clots from within the brain. If anyone is having a stroke in this area, their facility is where they shall be taken.
Many came to the walk to support the cause. Attendee Amy Durbin said, “I am standing for stroke awareness here today for my husband Ken Durbin.”
Durbin provided information on resources for anyone who has suffered from a medical condition and stated, “The CNS support group 2nd Tuesday of every week at 5 p.m. Center for Neuro Skills classes.”
Remember to take care to prevent any damage to the body & mind. Stay alive by staying healthier.