The symposium will feature healthcare professionals speaking on everything from stroke physiology, risk and prevention to music therapy. Neurologist Gerald McIntosh, M.D., will give the opening presentation, followed by a panel discussion with Joseph Jacob, M.D., a physiatrist (physician who specializes in rehabilitation); Thomas Wodushek, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist; and Dianne Moeller, a registered dietitian.

Sarah Johnson, MT-BC, and Laura Jensen, MT-BC, will give a presentation on music therapy for stroke patients. Registered nurses will be on hand to provide free blood-pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments and information on blood-pressure monitoring.

Stroke, also known as a "brain attack," is a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. One of the medical breakthroughs related to stroke is the emphasis on quick treatment, much the same as with heart attacks. The sooner a stroke patient receives medical care, including clot-busting or blood-pressure-stabilizing medications, the greater the chance of preventing death or disability.

While some risk factors for stroke are beyond control (such as family history and age), it is estimated that half of all stroke occurrences are preventable through lifestyle changes. Smoking, unhealthy diet, obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure all increase risk for stroke.