STHS to host its annual Steps of Stroke Challenge

SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM TO HOST ITS ANNUAL STEPS FOR STROKE CHALLENGE FOR STROKE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
Taking place May 20-26, the weeklong-step challenge is aimed at getting the community to be physically active, which can help reduce one’s risk of stroke and other health challenges 

Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms is vital because the chances of survival are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly. Yet only 38% of respondents in one survey were aware of all the major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1 when someone was having a stroke.

Continuing efforts to cultivate a better understanding of common health issues within our community, the South Texas Health System Neuroscience & Stroke Institute is hosting its third annual Steps for Stroke challenge, a weeklong competition aimed at helping the community better recognize the most common signs of a stroke and how to reduce the risk of having one through prevention efforts like being physically active.

“Studies have shown that moving more can reduce your risk of stroke in several different ways, including lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your cholesterol level,” says Tom Castaneda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “It doesn’t matter how you do it; you just have to move. Whether you like to go for long walks or dance to music on the radio while cleaning around the house, each step you take is a step toward reducing your risk of stroke!”

The Steps for Stroke challenge, which will run from May 20-26, encourages participants to walk, run or even dance their way to a minimum of 10,000 steps per day and 50,000 steps total during the competition period and log their daily step count on the official challenge website. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in three categories: community, STHS staff and first responders.

To kick off the competition, STHS McAllen will host a special Steps for Stroke Pep Rally on Saturday, May 20, from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Along with picking up their challenge packets, contestants will have the chance to start clocking their steps by taking part in a variety of interactive exercise demonstrations.

Registration can be completed at www.STHSActive.com. People can register early at a reduced fee of $25 until May 2. The Late registration dee after May 2 will be $30. The registration fee includes a T-shirt and medal, though a T-shirt is not guaranteed with late registration.

All proceeds will benefit local charities.

About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

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