DuPage County Health Department, American Stroke Association sponsor Nov. 19 event to ‘Conquer Smoke and Stroke’

As cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of African Americans, the DuPage County Health Department and the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, are sponsoring an awareness event and complimentary lunch on Nov. 19 in Naperville to encourage African Americans to overcome smoke and stroke.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Select, 1801 N. Naper Blvd., with information and stroke screenings offered as part of the American Stroke Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign, an aggressive education and awareness campaign to reach African Americans. Compared to Caucasians, African Americans have almost twice the risk of first ever stroke. More than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke every year.

Following the screenings there will be a complimentary lunch and program including an inspirational story by a stroke survivor and then a presentation by Brenda Bell Caffee. Bell Caffee is a Founding Elder of the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network and creator of “Not in Mama’s Kitchen,” an acclaimed program targeting the danger of secondhand smoke. She will explain the value of a mother’s influence in her immediate and extended family. (Note: Brenda Bell Caffee is available in advance or on Nov. 19 for interviews. Please contact David Hass at the DuPage County Health Dept. for more information.)

Caffee will outline the increased danger among African Americans for high blood pressure (hypertension) and the resulting increased risks of stroke, heart attack and other health problems from high blood pressure and diabetes.

Following the presentations there will be entertainment provided by Chicago’s Majestic Gents, who perform “Steppin that stirs the soul.”

The entire event is free, but seating is limited. Call (630) 682-7979, ext. 7349 for reservations.

About the American Stroke Association
The goal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is to reduce disability and death from stroke through research, education and advocacy. In its 2002-03 fiscal year, the association spent $141.4 million on stroke. For more information on stroke or Power To End Stroke, visit www.strokeassociation.org.

“We promote health, prevent illness, and provide quality service”