RP to host international stroke conference

The 5th Asia-Pacific Conference Against Stroke (APCAS) will be held on March 13-16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Hosted by the Philippine Neurological Association and the Stroke Society of the Philippines, APCAS will bring together stroke professionals across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss recent advances and key issues in stroke management and treatment.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Stroke at the Crossroads of the Asia-Pacific Region.”

Dr. Jose Navarro, overall convention chairman, said among the topics covered in the conference are: Epidemiology of Stroke in the Asia-Pacific Region, Basic Science of Strokes, Risk Factors and Stroke Prevention, Organization of Stroke Care, Concept of Stroke Center Certification, Updates on Evidence-Based Stroke Therapy, Neurovascular Imaging, Critical Care of Neurovascular Disease, Controversies/Consensus in Stroke Management, Nursing Care in Neurovascular Disease, and Stroke Research Priorities for the 21st Century.

Navarro is inviting doctors, nurses, physical therapists, lay and allied professionals who have a common interest in the diagnosis, treatment and care of stroke patients to join the event.

“The organizing committee is pleased to bring (to the Philippines) recent advances and key issues in stroke, an enhanced scientific program, and most of all, excellent opportunities for participants to meet colleagues and exchange ideas in a congenial setting,” he said.

Aside from Navarro, other members of the APCAS 2008 Executive Committee are: Drs. Joven Cuanang, honorary chairman; Abdias Aquino, international advisory council head; Raquel Alvarez and Ester Bitanga, overall convention co-chairmen; Johnny Lokin, scientific program; Ceferino Rivera, treasurer/finance; Betty Mancao and Glicerio Alincastre, finance; Carlos Chua and Simeon Marasigan, ways and means; and Alejandro Baroque, secretary-general.

Registration fees are as follows: P3,000 for physicians, P1,500 for residents and fellows, and P1,000 for lay and allied professionals.

The fees entitle the delegates to admission to the main scientific sessions upon presentation of congress ID, access to the congress exhibits, congress kit and materials, opening ceremonies and welcome reception, fellowship and cultural night, closing ceremonies, coffee breaks, and lunches.

For details, visit the APCAS website at http://apcas2008.org or e-mail at [email protected].

This year, 15 million people worldwide will suffer from stroke. Five million will die and another five million will be permanently disabled, according to the World Health Organization.

High blood pressure is responsible for over 12 million strokes worldwide. Other risk factors are family history of stroke, age, sex (women are more likely to die of stroke than men), high blood cholesterol levels, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, the use of birth control pills, hormone therapy, heavy drinking, the use of illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine HCI, and uncontrolled stress.