WS Chronicle

Novant Health, in conjunction with the Psi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., were hosts of a community outreach event at Hanes Mall that featured interactive exhibits and giant size replicas of the heart and brain.

While inside the inflatable brain, participants were able to feel a blood clot, explore stroke symptoms, examine a brain tumor, learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and epileptic seizures.

Over 500 people were able to learn and explore different parts of the brain and heart. Medical professionals also offered free health screenings and provided information about resources in our community for people caring for loved ones who have dementia and memory issues.

The event, called “Unraveling the Mysteries of the Heart and Brain,” focused on stroke awareness, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

Dr. Cory Lamar, a neurologist with Novant Health and member of Omega Psi Phi, stated, “This event is vital to the community because North Carolina is in the stroke belt, meaning the risk of stroke is 30 percent higher here than in other areas of the country.  There are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of stroke and other brain diseases.”

Brother Linwood Jerald is the Omega Psi Phi Chapter Basileus and Brothers Judge Kornegay and Cory Lamar are Social Action Committee co-chairmen.

For more information on how to reduce your risk for stroke go to www.novanthealth.org/stroke/.