Shown in photo L-R: Daniele Sturmer, Cathleen Bastible, Christine Humason, Tamson Westcott, and Geana Delisle.
Westfield Kiwanis Club members received a briefing at Thursday’s meeting on the very latest tools and techniques for recognizing and dealing with the symptoms of a stroke.
Christine Westscott and Tamson Humason, members of the Stroke Resources team at Baystate Noble Hospital, presented a very informative program, providing details on how to recognize a potential stroke and how to respond.
The program was presented at the club’s weekly 6:00 PM meeting at Emma’s Everyday Gourmet, Washington St., Westfield.
Each member present received a packet full of information sheets and brochures on stroke facts and prevention. The presentation centered on the latest on recognizing stroke warning signs, using the acronym “B.E. F.A.S.T” – Balance loss, Eye (vision) changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time – to call 911.
Christine and Tamson emphasized the important of recognizing the signs of a stroke and of calling 911 for emergency assistance promptly. They noted that there are very effective interventions that can minimize the damage caused by a stroke, but cautioned that those interventions are only effective if they are applied immediately.
Information on stroke prevention was also presented.
The Noble stroke team is available to speak to civic groups and other organizations in Western Massachusetts. For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact Christine Humason at christine.humason@baystatehealth.org.