In recognition of National Stroke Awareness Month, Winthrop-University Hospital's What's Happening at Winthrop educational series will offer a free "Stroke Risk Assessment" program on Tuesday, May 18, 2004. Held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, the program will begin with assessments at 6:30 PM, followed by a lecture at 7:30.

The assessment will consist of blood pressure screening, carotid buit, and risk factor review. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for a free vascular screening at a future date.

Every 45 seconds, someone in America has a stroke; every three minutes, someone dies of one. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. However, learning preventive measures and the warning signs of stroke can help reduce your risk of brain loss.

Elzbieta Wirkowski, MD, Director of Cerebral Vascular Disorders at Winthrop will discuss how to identify and reduce risk factors, as well as the importance of early treatment. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. Admission is free, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call (516) 663-8305.

The What's Happening at Winthrop Series is a free community education program coordinated by the Nurse Specialist Group at Winthrop, part of the Institute for Family Care.