Understanding Stroke and Saving Lives: Health Matters Podcast Shines a Light During National Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month—a time dedicated to educating the public about stroke prevention, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and supporting survivors and caregivers. On this special episode of the Health Matters Podcast, we’re honored to welcome two remarkable guests from the Aultman Health System Stroke Center in Canton, Ohio: Andra Lloyd, BSN, RN, SCRN and Ashley McConnell, BSN, RN.

As certified stroke nurses, Andra and Ashley bring deep expertise and firsthand insight into what it takes to respond to stroke emergencies, support recovery, and spread awareness throughout our community. During the podcast, they share life-saving knowledge about:

The warning signs of a stroke and why every second counts

  • How to recognize the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to act quickly

  • The critical role of early intervention and how local hospitals like Aultman are prepared to provide rapid, expert care

  • How lifestyle changes—from managing blood pressure to staying active—can reduce your risk of stroke

This conversation isn’t just medical—it’s motivational. Whether you or a loved one is at risk, or you’re simply seeking to be more informed, this episode arms you with knowledge that could save a life.


We are grateful to Andra and Ashley for their passion, professionalism, and commitment to stroke care. Their dedication to patient outcomes and public education is a powerful reminder of the difference healthcare providers make every day.

Tune in to this special Health Matters episode and join us in spreading stroke awareness all month long—and beyond.

Listen now at medshoprx.com/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.


Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.


What the replay of the YouTube Live Broadcast here:

Thanks for listening today! We’d like to remind our listeners, if you suspect you have a medical issue, please contact your healthcare provider. Thanks to our sponsor Aultman Health System. As always, we thank our listeners for joining us on Health Matters with the Medicine Center Pharmacy. Have a healthy week and we’ll see you again next Friday right here on News Talk 1480 WHBC.