Knowledge is Power

 

After working as a registered nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 25 years, and 17 years on the Cardiac Care Intensive Care Unit, Mella Dee Warren was no stranger to cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In addition to her professional acumen, atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease and stroke all ran in her family, making Mella Dee highly aware of her own risk for the diseases.

She walked regularly, ate a healthy diet and never smoked, all contributing factors for how well she bounced back from the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, requiring a pacemaker at the age of 65. It wasn’t until 15 years later, on Dec. 30, 2013 - her 58th wedding anniversary - that she experienced her stroke. She was attempting to put a coffee cup on a kitchen cabinet hanger when she felt numbness in her hand and the entire right side of her body. She sunk to the floor and called for her nephew, whom she instructed to call 9-1-1 to notify them that his auntie was having a stroke.

Emergency first responders rushed the 79-year-old retired nurse to a Get With The Guidelines® Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center where a CT scan determined she indeed was having a stroke. Experts treated her with advanced interventional surgical techniques to remove the clot. Mella Dee received extensive physical therapy and made a full recovery, allowing her to do what she does best, care for others. As a devoted volunteer of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, among other health organizations, Mella Dee is now 80 and thriving as she continues to spread awareness and arm her community with lifesaving health and wellness information.”

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