Musical artist Michelle Williams is lending her voice to the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke, an education and awareness campaign that embraces and celebrates the culture, energy, creativity and lifestyles of African Americans.

“I am honored to partner with the campaign,” says Williams. “My father had a stroke in 2005 due to smoking, diabetes and an unhealthy diet, and my grandmother was diagnosed with having a stroke in 2006 when she went to her doctor for a simple outpatient procedure. I am bringing awareness to people so that strokes can be prevented. Let’s take care of ourselves…the first step is knowledge about your health.”

Strokes & African Americans

Stoke is identified as being 67% higher in African American men than other ethnic groups and 88% of blacks are more likely to die from a stroke than whites. But what what does it mean to have a stroke?

A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.” Most often, stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops because it is blocked by a clot. When this happens, the brain cells in the immediate area begin to die.

Some brain cells die because they stop getting the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. Other brain cells die because they are damaged by sudden bleeding into or around the brain. The brain cells that don’t die immediately remain at risk for death. These cells can linger in a compromised or weakened state for several hours. With timely treatment, these cells can be saved.

Just a few of the creative and helpful tools to help you learn more about stroke, manage your risk and give you the power to end stroke once and for all:

Most Powerful Voices Choir Competition

PTES and the Gospel Music Channel are looking for the Most Powerful Voices in an online choir competition.

Power Finance

Having a stroke can be a life-changing event. In addition to impacting your health, the effects can be equally devastating to your finances.

Power Nutrition

Power Nutrition is a new content section that can help you understand why good nutrition is important and learn how to make changes in your diet to achieve your nutrition goals.

Exercise and Your Hair

Power To End Stroke has partnered with stylist Krystal Landfair to give you tips that will help keep your hair looking good while working out.

The power is in your hands to prevent and overcome stroke, and BlackDoctor.org, InteractiveOne and the American Stroke Association will provide the information and tools to support you every step of the way.

For more information, please visit Power To End Stroke today.

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