National Stroke Association's Live Virtual Health Fair Makes Stroke Information and Experts Globally Accessible Source
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
By: Taryn Fort

Second Annual Online Event Is Available Free on May 16, 2012

CENTENNIAL, Colo., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., killing approximately 137,000 people a year. Yet public knowledge of common stroke warning signs and risk factors is low.

Since 1989, May has been established as National Stroke Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of stroke. This year, National Stroke Association is offering a unique way for the general public and healthcare professionals across the globe to learn virtually about stroke through the second annual Virtual Health Fair.

The live event is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The event will be recorded and available on demand through Aug. 16, 2012.

Virtual Health Fair is accessible to anyone with a computer and Internet access. The event features:

• A 10-webinar track covering prevention, recovery issues and trends in stroke science. A full agenda is available below.
• Online booths featuring live booth representatives and experts, downloadable information, coupons and prizes.
• Live chat and social networking among fellow attendees and booth and webcast hosts.
• A webcast certificate of attendance for healthcare professionals to support continuing education requirements.

"Our Virtual Health Fair provides a unique way for anyone interested in stroke to learn about it online and during a special event that houses dozens of experts on stroke. It provides participants an easy way to ask experts specific questions and a means to meet others in the stroke community across the globe," said Jim Baranski, chief executive officer, National Stroke Association.

National Stroke Association will offer booths on stroke prevention and recovery information, policy-related advocacy, caregiving and tools for healthcare professionals. Exhibitors include Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, National Aphasia Association, National Family Caregivers Association, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Spirit of Women Hospital Network.

Anyone interested in attending can register at www.stroke.org/vhf2012.

Virtual Health Fair Webinar Agenda

10 a.m. EDT: Stroke 101
Speaker: Jean Rose de Renzy, RN, MS, CNRN

11 a.m. EDT: Emotional Issues Post-Stroke
Speaker: William Stiers, PhD, ABPP (RP)

Noon EDT: Nutrition Post-Stroke
Speaker: Heather Ross, MS, RD

1 p.m. EDT: Acute Stroke Management
Speaker: George C. Newman, MD, PhD

1 p.m. EDT: Meet the Faces of Stroke
Speakers: Linda and John Unland

2 p.m. EDT: New Technology: Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for Stroke Recovery
Speaker: Lynn Rogers, PhD

2 p.m. EDT: Become an Effective Health Communicator
Speaker: Michelle Whaley, MSN, CNS, CCNS, ANVP

3 p.m. EDT: Post-Stroke Financial Issues
Speaker: Vickie Leff

4 p.m. EDT: How to Deliver Community Stroke Education
Speaker: Janet Kester

5 p.m. EDT: Careliving: Be a Better Caregiver for Yourself and Others
Speaker: Sara Palmer

ABOUT NATIONAL STROKE ASSOCIATION
National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for all impacted by stroke. Founded in 1984, the organization works every day to meet its mission to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke. Visit www.stroke.org for more information.

Press Contact: Taryn Fort
tfort@stroke.org
303-754-0919