Glenpool Hosts “SKO Red” Event for Stroke Prevention
On February 25, the Glenpool Conference Center buzzed with energy as the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Stroke Prevention Program hosted the engaging “SKO Red” event. Designed to equip community members with essential knowledge about stroke risk and healthier lifestyle choices, the event was a vibrant amalgamation of activities aimed at fostering wellness among the Mvskoke citizens.
A Focus on Education
Angela King, a Nurse Navigator with the MCN Health Prevention Program, emphasized the significance of early detection and healthy lifestyle choices throughout the event. “The event encourages early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and empowers Mvskoke citizens to take proactive steps towards preventing stroke,” she shared.
The choice of the name “Sko Red” aptly encapsulated the spirit of the gathering. Drawing from the native slang “SKODEN,” meaning “let’s do this,” and aligning with the red theme of Heart Health Month, the event aimed to inspire participants to take action regarding their heart health.
Interactive Learning Stations
Participants enjoyed various interactive activity stations. They had the opportunity to enroll in a walking program and participate in hands-on CPR classes, enhancing their emergency preparedness. Chair yoga sessions contributed to stress relief and physical well-being, offering gentle stretches for attendees of all ages.
Every participant received a complimentary t-shirt, goodie bags filled with wellness information, and a box lunch, further demonstrating the event’s commitment to promoting health in a supportive environment.
Valuable Prizes and Information
At the event, prizes were given away, including Bluetooth pressure monitors and a useful book titled “Eat Less Salt” from the American Heart Association. This resource provides vital insights on salt intake, recipe modifications, and healthier eating out options, aligning perfectly with the event’s goals.
Angela King highlighted a significant statistic: women face a higher overall risk of strokes and heart attacks compared to men. The program’s efforts, she noted, were focused on ensuring everyone received essential education to reduce their risk.
Key Messages on Stroke Prevention
King emphasized the preventability of strokes and heart attacks, stating, “Strokes and heart attacks are 80% preventable for everyone.” Participants learned about simple yet effective lifestyle changes, including aiming for 30 minutes of physical activity most days, prioritizing 7–9 hours of sleep nightly, eliminating tobacco and reducing alcohol consumption, and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Goodie bags were thoughtfully curated with wellness materials like a neck massager, a pedometer watch to track daily activity, and pocket-sized cards designed to monitor blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These tools aimed to keep health top of mind in everyday life.
Hands-On CPR Training
One of the highlights was the Hands-Only CPR class, a non-certification training that equipped participants with two vital techniques to save a life. Led by Registered Nurse Diabetes Educator Victoria Lowry from the Sapulpa Indian Clinic, the session provided practical experience, helping individuals gain confidence in performing CPR. “This was just to give people the opportunity to practice the feeling of how fast and how hard they actually have to push,” said King, addressing common misconceptions and fears surrounding CPR.
Cultural Engagement and Stress Relief
Adding a cultural element to the event, Cassandra Thompson, MCN Native Youth Community Project Curriculum Specialist, taught participants how to make traditional Corn Husk Dolls. Engaging in creative activities like this also serves as a stress-relief exercise, underscoring the dual focus on wellness and cultural heritage.
Chair yoga, led by Jill Fox, a seasoned practitioner with 25 years of experience, offered relaxation and flexibility benefits. This inclusive activity catered to individuals of all ages and abilities, reiterating the event’s commitment to holistic well-being.
Building Community Connections
King expressed the importance of community in the fight against health issues, saying, “We have to take care of one another and take care of ourselves.” The event paved the way for reconnections to beneficial habits from the past, aiming to foster a stronger, healthier community.
Complementing the day’s initiatives, attendees could enroll in Walking for Life, an annual program designed to motivate the Native community toward year-round physical activity. The involvement of the Health Promotion and Wellness Team and Public Health Nurses made the enrollment process seamless.
With firsthand experiences and rich community engagement, the “SKO Red” event succeeded in its mission to instill a proactive approach to health among the Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens. Each activity, resource, and interaction was carefully designed to cultivate a culture of health and wellness, reinforcing the idea that a healthier future begins with informed choices made today.
