May 20, 2026 — Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Parkersburg hosted its second annual Stroke Survivor Celebration during American Stroke Month. The celebration raised awareness of stroke warning signs and provided valuable resources on how to lower one's risk of stroke.
“There are several actions people can take to reduce their risk of stroke including improving your diet or exercising more,” said Dr. Neel Chandel, a physiatrist at Encompass Health Parkersburg. “Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial to supporting your loved ones when you notice they may be having a stroke. I recommend making yourself familiar with the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym.”
Chandel shared with attendees how being familiar with the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym — balance changes, eye (or vision) changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties and time to call 911 — can help save a life.
The event also celebrated the progress and recoveries made by stroke survivors while providing additional resources to the survivors and their caregivers. In addition to the therapists and clinicians from Encompass Health Parkersburg, there were also local healthcare facilities present to provide additional information about outpatient therapy and home health options.
“This event was a great success for us,” said Megan Schilling, business development director for Encompass Health Parkersburg. “Our hospital's stroke committee has a goal to raise our community's awareness of the signs and symptoms of strokes as well as the resources we have here to help in stroke recovery.”
Encompass Health Parkersburg has earned Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation and provides several resources for patients, stroke survivors and caregivers including education and community events.