Allina sets Stroke Awareness Month events in May

COON RAPIDS, FRIDLEY, ST. PAUL, Minn. 05/07/2010--Allina's Mercy, Unity and United Hospitals have set special events throughout May for the public to learn about stroke, stroke prevention and receive special low-cost stroke screenings.

Stroke facts

In the United States, stroke is the third leading cause of death, killing about 137,000 people each year, and a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability.
Approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year.
Stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age.
Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
Men's stroke incidence rates are greater than women's at younger ages, but not older ages.
African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with whites.
Two million brain cells die every minute during stroke, increasing risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death. Recognizing symptoms and acting fast to get medical attention can save a life and limit disabilities.
The estimated direct and indirect cost of stroke for 2010 is $73.7 billion.

Go to allina.com/stroke for more about stroke and stroke care.

"Stroke is, essentially, a brain attack, cutting off vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain," says Penny Wheeler, MD, Allina Hospitals & Clinics chief clinical officer. "It's the third leading cause of death in the United States, but there's a lot we can do to identify warning signs and prevent stroke. That's what Allina is focusing on in May."

Allina stroke month events

Low-cost stroke screening

Mercy Hospital (4050 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN)
Saturday, May 22
Tuesday, June 1
Registration required. For information or to register, call 1-866-904-9962 or go to allina.com/classes

Free community education session about stroke

United Hospital (333 North Smith Avenue, St. Paul, MN)
Tuesday, May 25
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (event), noon to 1 p.m. (presentation)
St. Luke's Room at United Hospital
Please call 651-241-7318 to register and or more information.

Stroke prevention forum

Unity Hospital (550 Osborne Road NE, Fridley, MN)
Tuesday, June 8
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Unity Hospital Boardroom
Free, registration is requested by calling 763-236-3747.

About Allina Hospitals & Clinics

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, more than 90 clinics, and health care services, including home care, hospice care, palliative care, oxygen and medical equipment, pharmacies and emergency medical transportation. More about Allina and the latest health information can be found online at allina.com.

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