Calgary Congress brings stroke into focus - Over 1,000 researchers gather at largest-ever Canadian Stroke Congress to learn about novel research and to exchange ideas

CALGARY, Sept. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Researchers from across Canada and around the world are gathering in Calgary for the largest-ever Canadian Stroke Congress, drawing much-needed attention to one of society's leading health issues. The Canadian Stroke Congress runs from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.

A joint initiative of the Canadian Stroke Network, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Canadian Stroke Consortium, the congress brings together leading experts from basic research, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and health promotion. Over 100 speakers will cover diverse topics, including:

• The latest research advances in rehabilitation;
• Insight into brain remapping;
• New ways to reorganize the health-care system to improve care;
• How to prevent stroke - from better diet and more exercise to detecting atrial fibrillation; and,
• The Weird and Wonderful: What does the future hold?

"The Congress delivers an appealing blend of research innovation, clinical best practices, hands-on workshops, and big-picture thinking," says Congress Co-chair Dr. Michael Hill of the Calgary Stroke Program.

"The Canadian Stroke Congress is the place to meet, interact and network with the best and brightest in stroke care in Canada and beyond," says Dr. Mark Bayley, Co-chair of the Canadian Stroke Congress."

"A stroke occurs in Canada every 10 minutes," says Ian Joiner, director of stroke for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "Huge progress has been made in stroke treatment and prevention but there's still much to be done. This Congress brings together Canada's stroke community, focused, united and determined to tackle one of our biggest health problems."

There are 50,000 strokes in Canada every year and at least 315,000 people living with the after-effects of stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and death.

The Canadian Stroke Network, www.canadianstrokenetwork.ca, is a national research network headquartered at the University of Ottawa. It includes scientists, clinicians and health-policy experts committed to reducing the impact of stroke.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke, reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.

Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen.

SOURCE: Canadian Stroke Congress

and/or interviews, contact 
The CSC 2012 MEDIA OFFICE September 30 to October 2 at 403-218-7868
Cathy Campbell, Canadian Stroke Network, 613-852-2303 (cell)
[email protected]
Holly Roy, Heart and Stroke Foundation, 780-991-2323

Congress information and media registration is at www.strokecongress.ca