During American Stroke Month in May, Emanuel Medical Center, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto and Doctors Hospital of Manteca will launch a comprehensive awareness campaign that includes a free online assessment designed to help people determine their risk of stroke. 

Here’s why it’s important for every American adult to know whether he or she is at risk of stroke:

·       Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke.

·       One out of six people will suffer a stroke in his or her lifetime.

·       Stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability in the US.

·       Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in this country, killing almost 130,000 people every year.

·       Eighty percent of strokes are preventable.

The three Central Valley hospitals offer a comprehensive network of potentially life-saving stroke and cardiac services at convenient, easily accessible locations in their communities. They have also increased their sponsorship with the American Heart Association to provide greater support, patient education and community outreach regarding stroke and cardiovascular disease.

“Everyone should know their risk for stroke, because getting fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment can literally be a matter of life and death,” said Sue Micheletti, CEO of Emanuel Medical Center. “The free online risk assessment tool we are offering allows anyone in our community to find out for themselves whether they are at risk. Our three hospitals, working collaboratively with the AHA, are dedicated to reducing the toll from stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases by 20 percent by the year 2020.”   

Residents can assess their risk for stroke by filling out a brief online questionnaire. Those whose risk for stroke is found to be high will receive a referral to a local specialist. People considered at medium or low risk will receive detailed information about stroke, including how to spot the sudden signs of a stroke. The link is ValleyHealthCheck.com/StrokeCheck.