Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 2, 1994 TAG: 9411140033
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Her appearance is part of a stroke screening and information seminar to be held at Roanoke Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center. A stroke is caused by the sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain and occurs when an artery bursts or becomes clogged.
Townsend, who was the 1963 Miss America, had a stroke in 1970 that left her paralyzed and unable to speak. Her recovery took several years.
The free screening will take place from 8 a.m. until noon. It is designed to identify people who are at risk for stroke through blood pressure and cholesterol checks, an EKG and a screening for carotid bruit, an abnormal sound in the main arteries to the brain that indicates potential stroke-causing blockages.
Townsend speaks at noon. After her talk, Dr. Gordon Burch, a Roanoke neurologist, will discuss risk factors, warning signs, treatment and prevention of strokes.
Strokes are more common in the southeastern part of the country and are linked to the death or disability of more than 500 Roanoke Valley residents annually, statistics show.
To register for the seminar or to schedule a screening appointment, call 981-7641 or 1-800-422-8482.
by CNB