Free Stroke Risk Assessment

In recognition of National Stroke Awareness month in May, Winthrop-University Hospital's "Perspectives in Health" educational series will host a Stroke Awareness Fair and Free Stroke Risk Assessment on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. Held at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard in Mineola, the program begins with individual stroke risk assessments and the Stroke Awareness Fair beginning at 6:30 PM, followed by a lecture at 7:15. It will address stroke prevention, stroke recognition, stroke treatment and stroke recovery.

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

Elzbieta Wirkowski, MD, Director of the Cerebrovascular Disorders Program and Medical Director of the Neuroscience ICU at Winthrop, will discuss the meaning of Act F.A.S.T. (assess Face, Arms, Speech and save Time!), how to identify and reduce risk factors, and how early treatment may reduce the severity of a stroke. A question and answer period will follow the lecture.

The Stroke Awareness Fair will feature representatives from Winthrop and other community resources, who will answer questions and provide information about important stroke-related prevention and recovery issues. Participants may learn about cardiology care, neuroscience services, and home care, as they relate to stroke prevention and after-care, as well as the Hospital's Smoking Cessation Center.

The Stroke Assessment Fair is free, but reservations are required. To reserve, please call (516) 663-8300. Parking and the entrance are available in the rear of the building. Refreshments will be provided.

Winthrop-University Hospital is a New York State-designated Primary Stroke Center, which has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for excellence in stroke care.

The Stroke Awareness Fair is coordinated by the Institute for Neurosciences and the Nurse Specialist Group at Winthrop. For information on other programs at the Hospital, please call 1-866-WINTHROP.