Welcome to "The Stroke Belt"

Did you know that North Carolina is in the "stroke belt" where stroke death is two times greater than the national average? Our program on Monday night, May 18th, was arranged by Dick Newton, who brought us Bob Thomas, who shared information about strokes and stroke prevention.

Strokes are the third leading reason for death in the US, and second in the world. Unfortunately, the coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina has the highest rate of stroke victims in the US. 85% are transient ischemic attacks. TIAs are small strokes that can last for minutes or hours. They are treatable and should never be ignored.

To test for stroke follow the FAST Stroke Assessment.

F for Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

A for Arms. Ask them to raise their arms. Does one drift downward?

S for Speech. Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Do they slur or possibly cannot repeat
the sentence?

T for Take Action. If a person shows any of these symptoms, TIME IS IMPORTANT!
Call 911 FAST!

Ways to prevent or lower stroke risk:

Treat and Control High Blood Pressure

Quit Smoking

Manage Heart Disease

Control and Treat Diabetes

Eat a Balanced Diet Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise

For more information and access to a Stroke Support Group, call 252-808-6474.

Newport Rotary "Keeps on Truck'in"

The May 11, 2009 Program at the Newport Rotary Club was provided by Sgt. Tim Askew of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Sgt Askew is the son of our own retired State Highway Patrolman, Jack Askew. 

Sgt. Askew works two job functions with the Patrol. He teaches at the SHP Training Academy and also works the road with Motor Carrier Enforcement. Sgt. Askew described his special training that makes him one of the state's experts on Motor Carrier Enforcement, specified what trucks fell within his jurisdiction under federal law, and described some of the special perils that "Big Rigs" bring. 

The meal was Subway sandwiches. Extended Happy Dollars were given by Dick Newton on behalf of his son who leads a very impressive ministry of social programs in Indiana, and Bevin Wall who told about the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Night in Jacksonville, and thanks Jim & Marilyn Everett and his wife Pam for their attendance. PDG Derryl Garner thanked the Newport community for their great sense of civic involvement.  

The picture to the right shows proud Papa Jack & his son, Sgt. Tim.