Hospital to host free Stroke Expo on Saturday
Faced with a growing number of young stroke patients, Beaufort Memorial Hospital has teamed up with YoungStroke, Inc. to present the first stroke EXPO in the area. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. this Saturday, April 21 in Building 12 of the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort.
“It’s an emerging health crisis driven by the epidemic of hypertension, diabetes and obesity,” said Amy Edmunds, a stroke survivor and founder of YoungStroke, Inc., an advocacy organization for adults who experienced a stroke between the ages of 20 and 64. “Most people don’t connect the dots between those health issues and stroke.”
The event will address the social, economic and physical needs of young stroke survivors. Pre-registration is requested and can be made by calling (843) 522-5585 or toll-free (888) 522-5585.
The EXPO will include presentations by Edmunds, neurologist Dr. Paul Mazzeo, internist Dr. Philip Cusumano and Greg Gilbert of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department. In one break-out session, a panel of four stroke survivors and a caregiver will discuss their experiences and how they cope with life after stroke.
“The effects of stroke are often life changing for both the survivor and their families,” said Kathy Campbell, director of the inpatient rehab unit at BMH. “Our goal is to offer stroke survivors information, resources and tools they can use to thrive after stroke, and to help caregivers understand how to support their loved ones.”

Learning more about Parkinson’s Disease
What do you know about Parkinson’s Disease and why should you care? Right now, more than one million Americans suffer from this progressive neurological disease. As Baby Boomers live longer, the incidence of Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease will increase. Many people are now part of the “sandwich generation,” caring for both children and parents, some of whom are afflicted with these diseases. Learn more about Parkinson’s at our next support group meeting on Thursday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m. at Helena House in Port Royal. The featured speakers will be Certified Parkinson’s Research Advocate Bernie Snead and his wife, Assistant State Director of the Parkinson’s Action Network Jackie Snead. The meetings are always held on the first Thursday of the month at Helena House and are open to the public. For information, contact Lindsay Daly at 843-706-2296.

Beaufort Memorial Hospital consolidates outpatient testing for surgery patients
As a convenience to patients preparing for surgery, Beaufort Memorial has consolidated all preoperative testing and classes into one location in the Beaufort Medical Plaza, located on the hospital’s main campus at 989 Ribaut Road.
In the newly remodeled space on the second floor of the medical plaza, outpatient lab work, EKGs, and neurologic testing are in the same suite — Suite 200 — along with the offices of the Surgical Liaison nurse to ensure all pre-testing is coordinated. The classroom for Total Joint classes will also be held in that area.
“We are so glad to have all of this together for the convenience of our patients,” says Pat Foulger, RN, VP for Quality Services.  “In the past, they have had to find parking and go from one department to another to get all of their pre-op work done.  Now, it’s in a nice setting outside the hospital; parking is more convenient, as well.”
The offices are open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  Monday through Friday. For more information, call 843-522-5118 or 843-522-5954.