Tawnia McKenzie, “Burien Blizzard” in background.
Despite a last-minute snowstorm, WABI held its popular Walk-and-Talk-With-a-Doc on January 3, 2016. Tawnia McKenzie, RN, the Stroke Program Coordinator at Highline Medical Center/CHI Franciscan, shared information about stroke symptoms and how walking can reduce the risk of a stroke. The hardy band of walkers took this advice and headed out for a 2.25 mile walk around Lake Burien. Thanks to Phoenix Tea for the hot tea enroute!
Some highlights from Tawnia McKenzie’s presentation:
–Strokes are the biggest preventable cause of disabilities in the US!
–Here’s the handy mnemonic for stroke symptoms: FAST:
F : Facial droop
A: Arms out (with your eyes closed). If one arm sags, could be a stroke sign.
S: Speech. Is speech slurred?
T: Time. Don’t hesitate! Call 911. Minutes count — If drugs can be administered in time, they can bust up the blood clot and prevent/reduce stroke.
Bundle up for walking!
–Good walking shoes are essential to your walking program. Walking shoes should be replaced every 350-500 miles (roughly every 6 months!).
–Consider having two pairs of walking shoes. They’ll last longer if you can alternate, and you’ll always have a dry pair you can wear.
–To prolong the life of your walking shoes, try to minimize wearing them when you’re not walking.
–Some local stores that specialize in walking shoes: Sole Perfection (Federal Way), The Walking Company (Southcenter), REI (Southcenter), South Sound Running (Tacoma). (For information only, not an endorsement by either CHI Franciscan or WABI Burien.)
