Next Thursday, May 28th, the American Heart Association is hosting the first of its Go Red for Women Couch Conversations, featuring Vivian L. King. May is American Stroke Month and Vivian is a stroke survivor. She will be sharing her personal experience with stroke and how that event has shaped her, as well as talking about the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and why people, particularly, women, need to listen to their bodies and get help fast. Vivian will also be reading an excerpt from her new book When the Words Suddenly Stopped.
Oby Nwabuzor will be speaking at the event about health disparities in our community and how African Americans are at greater risk for heart disease and stroke, oftentimes due to social determinants of health like access to health care, level of education, economic stability, etc. We spoke to both women about their experiences, how to recognize the signs of a stroke, and how to help those most vulnerable.