Stroke Awareness: How BEFAST Can Save Lives

Each year, more than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke, making it the third leading cause of death and the primary cause of adult disability.   

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the critical importance of early stroke detection and intervention. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can make a big difference for you or a loved one.

 Join us for a  talk on stroke awareness by Viktoriya Laznik, NP at the Stroke Center at Cooperman Barnabas Center in Livingston.

This talk will focus on the BEFAST acronym, as a quick, easy-to-remember guide for recognizing stroke symptoms and responding promptly. Understanding and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death, or full recovery versus long-term disability.

This session will also explore:

• The science behind strokes, including causes, risk factors and warning signs.
• The vital role of bystanders and family members in recognizing the signs of a stroke.
• How immediate action—specifically getting to a hospital in time—can lead to improved treatment outcomes.

Practical tips for preventing strokes and promoting heart and brain health will be shared.

Viktoriya has dedicated her entire career to working with stroke patients, beginning as a staff RN in a busy Stroke Center in Brooklyn NY. For the past 16 years, she has served patients as a Nurse Practitioner on the Stroke Team, training new providers, optimizing stroke care, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Nearly a year ago, she joined CBMC as the Lead Nurse Practitioner at a Comprehensive Stroke Center. When not handling administrative duties, Viktoriya maintains a hands-on approach, actively seeing patients in the units and emergency room.

This program is presented in partnership with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and requires registration via the Library’s event calendar at livingstonlibrary.org