Stamp out Stroke Screening May 25
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect time to find out if you’re at risk for a stroke or TIA (mini stroke). On Friday, May 25, Yale- New Haven Hospital’s Stamp Out Stroke (S.O.S.) team will conduct stroke risk assessments, take blood pressure readings, and describe how to reduce risk and recognize the warning signs of a stroke. The event will be held in the Atrium from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. For a copy of brochures that describe stroke warning signs and risk factors and the Yale- New Haven Stroke Center, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543; or register online at www.ynhh.org.

Lab testing: what patients should know
At Yale-New Haven Hospital, more than 200 employees work around the clock to perform more than 4.5 million laboratory tests annually on samples of blood, body fluids or tissues. They perform routine tests, such as cholesterol screenings, for both inpatients and outpatients, and help physicians diagnose and treat such exotic diseases as the West Nile Virus. Laboratory tests are crucial to all physicians for diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatment, monitoring patients on medications and making sure a patient is healthy. For a Healthy Facts sheet that describes information about lab testing and what all patients should know, call 203.688.2000 or toll-free, 888.700.6543.

Fitness after 50
The Yale-New Haven Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring a free community health education lecture, “Physical and Mental Fitness after 50,” on Thursday, May 17, from 6-8 p.m. in the Max Taffel conference room. Presented by Lisa Walke, M.D., an attending physician at the Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center, the lecture will focus on the health benefits of physical and mental activities and the components of exercise. Dr. Walke will demonstrate exercises for the major muscle groups and present fun, mentally challenging activities. Refreshments and free parking are provided. To register, call 203.688.2000 or toll free 888.700.6543; or visit www.ynhh.org and click on “Online Class Registration.”

Do you suffer from facial pain?
Do you suffer from facial pain? Trigeminal neuralgia is a severely painful facial condition in which people may experience sharp, electric shock-like pain to the cheeks, jaw, teeth, gums and lips. On Thursday, June 7, from 6:30-8 p.m., Kenneth Vives, M.D. and Jonathan Knisely, M.D., will discuss the signs and symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia; as well as gamma knife radiosurgery and its advantages as a treatment for this condition. The lecture will be held at Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford and light refreshments will be served. To register, call 203.688.2000 or toll free 888.700.6543; or visit www.ynhh.org and click on “Online Class Registration.”

SMC holds spring health education lectures
Yale-New Haven Shoreline Medical Center in Guilford is offering free health talks in May. Each event is from 6:30-8 p.m. and light refreshments are served. To register, call 203.688.2000 or toll free 888.700.6543; or visit www.ynhh.org and click on “Online Class Registration.”

• Tuesday, May 8 “Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness” presented by Eugenie Schwartz, R.N., M.H.A.
• Tuesday, May 15 “Are You at Risk for Stroke?” presented by Joseph Schindler, M.D.
• Thursday, May 17 “What Can You Do to Stop Hospital- Acquired Infections?” presented by Carlos Torres-Viera, M.D.
• Tuesday, May 22 “The Aging Adult and Road Safety: Making a Change?” presented by Richard Marottoli, M.D.

Living History Program touches patients and caregivers
Studies have shown that when caregivers and patients connect in a personal way, the level of care improves. That’s why YNHH Volunteer Services established the Living History Program, an initiative in which volunteers interview patients about what they value most in life, what accomplishments they have achieved and what goals are in front of them. Once each story is written, the patient receives a copy and another copy is kept in the patient’s medical file, so that caregivers can read it. Participants agree that it’s a great way to encapsulate the needs and values of each patient and provide more individualized, personal care. For more information on this service or to become a volunteer, call 203.688.2297.

Do primary stroke centers provide better patient care?
The Brain Attack Coalition has identified 11 major criteria that a hospital should have in order to be designated as a primary stroke center. Following the identification of these elements, researchers asked: Does the criteria improve the care of stroke patients? For more information, read the neurology He@lthLINK online at www.ynhh.org or call 203.688.2000 or toll free, 888.700.6543, for a copy.

Billing questions?
YNHH offers financial counseling to patients and families. Spanish-speaking counselors are available. Additionally, Monday evening sessions are scheduled once a month - the next two are 5 to 7 p.m. May 21 and June 18. To make an appointment with a financial counselor, call 203.688.2046.

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All information is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.