New Presidential 1 Dollar Coin Helps Highlight National Stroke Awareness Month This May

Main Category: Stroke / Neuroprotection
Article Date: 15 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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National Stroke Association is joining with the United States Mint in celebrating the release of the new President John Quincy Adams $1 coin. Our nation's sixth president suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives in 1848. He died two days later.

"We are so pleased to join with the U.S. Mint during the release of this coin because it once again helps us to bring the issue of stroke to the forefront of the nation and empower stroke survivors, caregivers and the general public to prevent stroke and take emergency action when stroke occurs," said Jim Baranski, Executive Director and CEO of National Stroke Association.

John Quincy Adams served as president from 1824 until 1828. He then was elected to another term in Congress where he suffered a stroke. According to the U.S. Mint, this 6th coin in the Presidential series may be used for everyday commerce but is also intended to be an educational tool.

"So much has changed in the world of stroke, especially in the past three years. We now have an easy FAST way to recognize stroke symptoms and stroke center hospitals that specialize in the latest stroke care. It is so important for the public to learn the FAST stroke recognition method and to know where their closest stroke center hospital is located," added Baranski.

It is very easy to learn the FAST method for recognizing stroke symptoms:

F = FACE Ask the person to smile, does one side of the face droop?
A= ARM Ask the person to hold both arms outstretched, does one arm drift downward?
S= SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, does the speech sound slurred?
T= TIME If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, time to call 9-1-1 and ask to be taken to the nearest stroke center hospital

Stroke Center Hospital locations can be found on the National Stroke Association website at http://www.stroke.org/. Click on Emergency Stroke Center Locations.

National Stroke Association representatives are available around the country for live or taped interviews.

To download an image of the John Quincy Adams Presidential $1 Coin, go to here.

National Stroke Association is the only national non-profit which devotes 100% of its resources to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation issues surrounding stroke. For more information please call 1-800-STROKES or log onto our website at http://www.stroke.org/.

Click here to order presidential $1 coin products from the U.S. Mint.

National Stroke Association