The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program was created in honor of Dr. Cesar Siruno, a long time and much admired General Surgeon at Cary Medical Center. Dr. Siruno served the hospital and its patients for more than 20 years. He and his wife, the late Florentina Siruno, raised a family in Caribou and established strong relationships in the community. Dr. Siruno died after suffering a major stroke being diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Dr. Siruno was a strong believer in health promotion and prevention. The Siruno family established the Stroke Prevention Program as a tribute to Dr. Siruno and to carry on his legacy. Mrs. Siruno, who was a registered nurse, said that she hoped the fund would help prevent families from experiencing the tragedy of major stroke that her family had endured. Working with the Jefferson Cary Foundation, a nonprofit public foundation based at Cary Medical Center, the Siruno family established a permanent endowment that over the past decade has offered annual professional education, community health promotion, health screenings and other initiatives focused on the prevention of stroke. Thanks to this project and the work of other organizations, the incidence of Stroke and Stroke related mortality in Northern Maine is on the decline. For more information about the Siruno Stroke Prevention Program please contact the Office of Community Relations and Development at Cary Medical Center 207-498-1376 or the Jefferson Cary Foundation 207-493-4849. Below is a listing of current activities directed by the project.
The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program offers classes for individuals who have been determined to be at risk for Type 2 Diabetes often called Pre-Diabetes. Classes help participants work towards losing 7% of body weight as well as helping to motivate individuals to do aerobic exercise most days of the week building up to 150 minutes per week. There are 16 weekly classes (4 months) with 8 monthly follow up sessions. Cost per class is $5.00 for each participant to help defray costs for the instructor, called a ‘life-coach’ and materials. Classes follow the National Diabetes Prevention Program’s evidence-based curriculum. Type 2 Diabetes can shorten your life span and lead to heart disease, stroke, vision loss and other health complications. The average annual cost for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes including prescription drugs, doctor’s visits, and lab work can be as much as $15,000. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle modification. Your insurance company may pay for the cost of classes.
The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program works with a variety of health and nutrition programs including the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service and the Maine SNAP-ED Program. Programs are scheduled on a routine basis, please call Cary Community Relations 207-498-1112 for more information. Participants will work with a nutrition educator/chef to prepare meals that are healthy, tasty and low in cost. Some of the highlights may include
The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program offers free blood pressure screenings to businesses and the general public. Screenings are conducted according to Maine Public Health best practice methods. Individuals with high readings will be rechecked in at least 2 weeks for a comparison reading. Consecutive high readings will generate a referral to the participant’s Primary Care provider for follow-up. Blood pressure education packets will be distributed to all participants. All information collected will be confidential. De-identified data may be collected for statistical analysis to support future health promotion activity.
The Siruno Stroke Prevention Program encourages participants to increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week as recommended by the American Heart Association. Walking is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. You can become a member of the Healthy You Walking Club and receive updates on physical activity programs, a free wristband and weekly physical activity tips for good health. Walking is truly miracle medicine and can reduce blood pressure, help manage weight, reduce the risk for chronic disease including Alzheimer’s disease. Cary Medical Center routinely sponsors special walking challenges such as 100 miles in 100 days and 200 miles in 200 days. By registering for our physical activity program you will stay up to date on all our activities.
Here are just a few of the many positive things our patients have to say about their the care they received at Cary Medical Center.
The staff in one day surgery is absolutely amazing. I was very thankful for my team of nurses, doctors and right down to the secretary that checked me in. You all were so amazing, friendly and professional. Thank you so much!
I am beyond happy with our visit at Cary! We can't thank you and your amazing staff for keeping our little boy your #1 concern. You did such an amazing job! Thank you Cary Medical Center!
This hospital was exactly what a hospital should be. The took such good care of my grandmother and the display of humanity and compassion was genuine. I am forever grateful.
I had my son at Cary and I couldn’t imagine being treated better anywhere. The staff were attentive, empathetic, and went above and beyond for my comfort. I wouldn’t want to give birth anywhere else.
A big shout-out to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cary Medical Center’s ER, Imaging, Lab, Food Service, and ACU Departments. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful care from each of you.
