Intermountain Medical Center Launches Stroke Awareness Campaign with a Dash of Salt

MURRAY, UT – Intermountain Medical Center is launching a public awareness campaign to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of salt consumption and the risk of stroke that a diet high in sodium can lead to.
 
The campaign, part of national stroke awareness month in May, includes a live question-and-answer webinar with a neurologist, and the unveiling of Dash, a reformed salt-shaker mascot who will make a number of public appearances throughout the month to remind people about the dangers of consuming too much salt.
 
A diet high in salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke. The American Heart Association recommends a daily limit of 1,500 mg of sodium – that’s less than 3/4 teaspoon of salt each day.
 
According to the American Heart Association, research has shown that nearly 80 percent of strokes are preventable. “Eating the right foods and exercising regularly are probably the two best methods for people to prevent a stroke, said Kelly Anderson, RN, coordinator for Intermountain Medical Center’s Stroke Program.”
 
Chloe Huan, MD, neurologist at Intermountain Medical Center, will take questions via Twitter and Facebook during a live webinar on Thursday, May 16 from 4:30-5pm. Get additional information about the live webinar at www.IntermountainMedicalCenter.org/tv.
 
More than 137,000 people die from a stroke and nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year, according to research from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
 
In a new video from the Intermountain Medical Center Stroke Program (http://youtu.be/IxHKSsngKCk), viewers can learn why Dash decided to change his ways and help residents of Salt Lake County reduce the amount of salt they eat. During the month of May, Dash will also be visiting a few community events, including:
 
·     May 1, 12-1 pm – The Great Salt Lake Business Expo, South Towne Expo Center in Sandy

·     May 2, 4-5 pm – A honk and wave at 5300 South State Street

·     May 3, 6-7 pm – Throwing out the first pitch at the Bees baseball game at Spring Mobile Ballpark

·     May 4, 3-5 pm – Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Centennial Park (3500 South 5415 West) in West Valley City

·     Morning of May 9 – Daybreak Elementary Fun Run (4544 Harvest Moon Drive)

·     May 17, 10:45 am – Visit the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce

·     May 22, 12-1 pm – Awards luncheon for the 2013 My Heart Challenge at Intermountain Medical Center


Dash will also star in fun and informative videos and will be featured on Intermountain Medical Center’s Facebook page with messages about stroke prevention throughout the month.
 
“We are home to one of the most sophisticated stroke centers in the western United States,” said Nan Nicponski, administrator of the neurosciences program at Intermountain Medical Center. “And although we treat more stroke patients than any other hospital in Utah, we hope our efforts will help prevent another Utahn from falling victim to a stroke.”