Fox 19: Oct. 29 is World Stroke Day
The University of Cincinnati's Stacie Demel and patient Tammy Unger joined Fox 19 to discuss stroke risk factors and warning signs ahead of World Stroke Day, Oct. 29.
"There are common risk factors," said Demel, a physician-researcher at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and associate professor of clinical neurology and rehabilitation medicine in UC’s College of Medicine. "Not everyone has them, but make sure you’re seeing a primary care doctor, if you have high blood pressure it's being treated, high cholesterol, diabetes, those are all common risk factors for stroke.
"If you have any sudden change in a neurological condition, like speaking, walking, dizziness, vision, get to the hospital quickly, because you can only get treated in a short period of time," Demel continued. "We can help a lot of people if we can get you to the hospital soon enough and get you treated."
Unger said she had run six miles the same day she had six different strokes, highlighting the importance for everyone to know the warning signs of a stroke regardless of their personal risk factors.
"Just because you have no high blood pressure, no cholesterol issues and that you’re active, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a stroke," she said.
Featured photo at top of UC Health's mobile stroke unit courtesy of UC Health.
Remember how to identify a stroke
Because of the quick onset of stroke, it is important to know the FAST mnemonic device that details the most common signs of stroke and how to respond:
- F: Facial drooping
- A: Arm or leg drop, or weakness in the arm or leg
- S: Speech issues, such as slurred speech or an inability to get your words out
- T: Time is of the essence; call 911 immediately
Related Stories
UC co-op helps build career pathways at AtriCure
July 28, 2026
AtriCure, a global medical device company in Mason, Ohio, is UC’s largest biomedical engineering co-op employer, turning University of Cincinnati co-op students into full-time innovators.
CCM welcomes new musical theatre faculty member Avery Bargassé
July 28, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Avery Bargassé as CCM's new Assistant Professor Educator of Musical Theatre Voice. His faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026. Bargassé is a versatile vocalist, recording artist and voice teacher whose career spans television, popular music and classical singing. He approaches teaching from a whole-person perspective, helping students develop healthy, flexible technique that supports expressive communication across styles.
UC doctoral student shares his journey with Spectrum News
July 27, 2026
UC doctoral student Amota Ataneka spoke with Spectrum News about his educational journey. Ataneka, a native of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, is one of 35 emerging scholars across the United States to win the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship.