May is National Stroke Awareness Month. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability.

To promote awareness, Winthrop-University Hospital's "Perspectives in Health" educational series will offer a free Stroke Risk Assessment program on Tuesday, May 16, 2006. The assessment will consist of a blood pressure check, carotid bruit and risk factor review. Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for a free vascular screening at a future date.

Assessments will begin at 6:30 PM at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard at the corner of Second Street in Mineola. A lecture will follow at 7:30 PM.

Presenter Kathleen Michel, MSN, FNP, Cerebral Vascular Coordinator at Winthrop, will discuss how to identify and reduce risk factors, as well as how early treatment may reduce the severity of a stroke. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. The program is free, but reservations are required. To reserve a spot, call (516) 663-8300.

"Perspectives in Health" is a free community health education program, coordinated by the Nurse Specialist Group at Winthrop, part of the Institute for Family Care. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.