Welcome to Take Heart Alaska!
Take Heart Alaska is a statewide coalition of agencies, organizations, and individuals working together to improve cardiovascular health in Alaska.
Vision: Balancing mind, body, and spirit to create a heart-healthy and stroke-free Alaska.
Mission: Increase cardiovascular health for Alaskan individuals and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles and proven preventive and treatment services.
Committees: The four committees of the Take Heart Alaska Coalition are Healthy Lifestyles, Public Education, Professional Education, and Treatment & Secondary Prevention.
May is Stroke Awareness Month!
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a leading cause of serious long-term disability1. Knowing the symptoms of stroke and calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone appears to be having a stroke are crucial steps in getting prompt emergency medical care for a stroke.
New treatments are available that can reduce the damage caused by a stroke for some victims, but these treatments need to be given soon after the symptoms start.
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
- Severe headache with no known cause.
If you think someone is having a stroke, call 9–1–1 or emergency medical services immediately. Receiving immediate treatment is critical in lowering the risk of disability and even death.
Stroke Awareness Month Resources
Stroke Awareness Resource Center - Promotinal Tools, Presentations, Media Discussion Guides, and Events
Stroke Prevention Milestones
Explaining Stroke - An Interactive Guide
Stroke Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
Matters at Heart - Take Heart Alaska's Quarterly Newsletter