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Stories And Events For May 2013

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Media Tip Sheet

May Is National Stroke Awareness Month. Related Stories Include:

The New Age of Stroke

Stroke rates are rising among the younger population despite the misconception that strokes only occur in older individuals. One-third of strokes are now believe to occur in people under the age of 65 and Barrow doctors believe that the obesity epidemic is a major contributor. “Stroke is no longer considered an elderly person’s disease,” says Dr. Joni Clark, a neurologist and stroke expert at Barrow. “Obesity and diabetes – which lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol – are increasing the rate of stroke among the young. Stay tuned for more information.

Young Stroke Patients and Doctors Available for Interviews

Young Barrow stroke patients can be made available for interviews with members of the media in May. Patients include a 24-year-old man who has made a tremendous recovery after a stroke put him in a coma and on a ventilator for nearly a week. Barrow stroke experts are also available for interviews to discuss why stroke is occurring more frequently in the younger population, stroke risk factors associated in younger individuals, the common misperceptions of stroke and common stroke symptoms. To schedule interviews with a patient and doctor, please call (602) 406-3319.

Dignity Health Arizona Offering Free Stroke Screenings in May

Dignity Health Arizona is offering two free stroke screenings this month. Mercy Gilbert Medical Center will host a screening on Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. to noon. St. Joseph’s stroke screening will be held on Friday, May 31 from 8 a.m. to noon. Individuals wishing to schedule an appointment should call (877) 602-4111.

Other May stories include:

Barrow Concussion Expert to Speak at Fiesta Bowl Summit

Dr. Javier Cardenas, a Barrow neurologist and a leading concussion expert, has been invited to speak to some of the top NCAA football coaches at this week’s Fiesta Bowl Summit about the most current recommendations for concussion management. Concussions have become a major concern throughout the NCAA and in professional sports, and recent research has created a new way of thinking about the assessment and management of sports-related concussion. Dr. Cardenas will be part of a panel which will also discuss possible strategies for concussion implementation and education. Dr. Cardenas is the only Valley expert who has been invited to speak about the topic at the summit which will take place on Thursday, May 2 at the Arizona Biltmore. Call (602) 406-3319 for more details.

Barrow Hosting Free Public Concussion Seminar in May

Barrow will be hosting a free concussion seminar for parents and student athletes at the Institute’s new West Valley concussion center. Concussion 101 – What You Need to Know about Concussion will be held on Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at It’s All in the Game in Peoria. The public wishing to attend should RSVP by calling (877) 602-4111 by Tuesday, May 7. Barrow’s renowned concussion center recently expanded into the West Valley and has begun seeing patients. Barrow’s concussion program is believed to be the nation’s most comprehensive concussion prevention, treatment and education program for young athletes.

For more information or to schedule a story, call Carmelle Malkovich at (602) 406-3319.

Publish date: 

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Media Contact


Carmelle Malkovich, External Communications Director

p: (602) 406-3319

[email protected]