CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON WARNS AFRICAN-AMERICANS ABOUT STROKE AND OTHER CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Washington, DC (May 5, 2011) – Today, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson joined the Congressional Black Caucus and the American Heart Association in the fight to increase the awareness of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases among African-Americans.

A recent survey commissioned by the American Heart Association revealed the disconnect between young people’s perception of their risk for stroke and the reality that African-Americans are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke compared to their white counterparts.

“As African-Americans we have to be aware of our sodium intake and understand that our food choices can directly affect our overall health,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “We also have to be diligent in having our blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly.”

Throughout the month of May, which is American Stroke Month, the American Heart Association, its partners and volunteers will stage numerous events across the country to raise awareness among African-Americans about stroke, its risk factors, warning signs and treatment options.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She is also the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas that includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.