Cary Medical Center, a small 63-bed hospital in rural Caribou, Maine, has launched the Siruno Stroke Prevention Program to help local residents build and keep healthy lifestyle habits. The program offers free blood pressure checks and education on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and quitting smoking. It also promotes regular exercise and runs other wellness activities to lower the risk of stroke.
One part of the program includes a series of online classes called Eat Mediterranean — A Healthy Choice. Led by a team member, these sessions feature cooking demonstrations and share information and recipes based on the Mediterranean diet. Studies show this diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
The program encourages people to stay active for at least 150 minutes each week, following guidelines from health authorities like the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every year, Cary Medical Center hosts various fitness events. One example is the 100 Miles in 100 Days Fitness Challenge, which motivates participants to walk daily. The hospital sends health tips and encouraging messages. Those who track their miles and complete the challenge can win gift cards in a prize drawing.
Additionally, the program provides free blood pressure screenings to local businesses and the public. It also distributes educational materials about blood pressure.
The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program was created by the family of the late Dr. Cesar Siruno, a respected general surgeon at Cary Medical Center who strongly supported health prevention and wellness.
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