ROME — Rome Health will host a health lecture on stroke prevention and early recognition at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, in the hospital’s classroom on the second floor.

Dr. Juleen Qandah, medical director of Rome Health’s stroke program and its stroke coordinator Heather Perry, RN, will discuss the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms and seeking treatment quickly. In addition, they will discuss risk factors and how you can lower your risk of a stroke.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

In Oneida County, the rates for people who die from stroke or are hospitalized are significantly higher than the state average. In addition, the pre-transport death rates are nearly twice the state average, which suggests that the community may not recognize the early warning signs of a stroke and delay seeking life-saving care.

There is a narrow time window that clot-busting medications can be administered to patients who have a blocked blood vessel in the brain. When it comes to stroke treatment, every minute counts to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Call 911 at the first sign of stroke symptoms.

The health lecture is free. Advance registration is not required.