Mega Doctor News
It’s common knowledge: stroke is a major health threat to older adults, with the risk of experiencing a brain attack increasing significantly with age.
In fact, the risk of stroke more than doubles every 10 years after the age of 55, according to the National Institutes of Health, with factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a history of falls that cause head injuries increasing one’s risk of a brain attack.
While it may be a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, most Americans aren’t aware of stroke symptoms, with studies showing a significant percentage of adults can’t identify all the common signs like face drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulty.
Others, meanwhile, aren’t familiar with additional stroke symptoms like sudden severe headache, vision changes or dizziness and loss of balance, leading to delayed treatment even after a stroke has occurred.
“In the event of a stroke, immediate treatment is crucial for minimizing the damage it causes,” says Veronica Olivarez, BSN, RN, Director of Neuroscience, South Texas Health System. “Every minute that a stroke goes untreated, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die, leading to a greater risk of permanent disability or death.Prompt treatment can minimize brain damage and improve the chances of a positive outcome, as certain treatments like clot-busting medications must be administered within a specific window, often within the first three hours of the onset of any stroke symptoms. Swift action can mean the difference between life and a lifetime of challenges, even death.”
To help raise awareness of stroke among older adults and their caregivers in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System and Prominence Health are teaming up to host a free conference and expo on World Stroke Day, which this year falls on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the South Texas College Nursing & Allied Health Campus, Building B, in McAllen.
Entitled “CounterSTROKE: Combatting the Threat of Stroke Conference,” the event will feature educational seminars in English and Spanish led by healthcare professionals from South Texas Health System aimed at helping attendees understand stroke and its effects on quality of life, as well as the treatment and recovery process following a brain attack.
Additionally, the conference will include an exercise demonstration led by the STHS Rehabilitation Services Department, a healthy cooking class led by the STHS McAllen Dietary Department and a community expo highlighting information and local resources available to help support stroke survivors and their caregivers.
“Education is key when it comes to understanding your risk, recognizing the warning signs and taking the steps necessary to prevent a stroke,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “This event will help seniors and their caregivers better understand the dangers of stroke, so that they can take appropriate action in the event of a brain attack.”
Lunch will be provided for attendees at no cost during the event, as well as free health checks and screenings provided by South Texas Health System and its community partners
For more information and to register for the conference, please contact Veronica Galligan at 956-821-9569 or by email at Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com
| Who: | South Texas Health System & Prominence Health |
| What: | CounterSTROKE: Combatting the Threat of Stroke Conference |
| When: | Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| Where: | South Texas College Nursing & Allied Health Campus Building B 1901 S. McColl Rd.McAllen, TX 78503 |
