Downtownglendale.com has teamed up with stroke experts at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center Neuroscience Institute to offer the first 5K Glendale Downtown Dash.

All proceeds from the event will go toward expanding stroke services in the community.

The 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, March 9, and will start on Maryland Street in downtown Glendale, one block south of the Alex Theater at 216 N. Brand Blvd.

Motivated by the large number of people who suffer from a stroke every year, Glendale Adventist Medical Center has organized and established a stroke center and is well on its way to becoming one of the area's only certified primary stroke centers.

For Glendale and surrounding communities, this means that there will always be a team of stroke specialists standing by to help someone having a stroke.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for San Fernando Valley area residents. While the disabling results of a stroke are most often preventable, it remains the leading cause of adult disability in the country.

"The good news is, stroke is a preventable disease and treatments are available," says Lance Lee, MD, medical director of the Stroke Center at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. "If you do have a stroke, seeking immediate treatment at a facility specially trained to diagnose and treat stroke can help improve your chances of surviving one and minimize possible disabilities."

Stroke survivors, caregivers, families and the community are all encouraged to participate in this race.

5K Run/Walk Schedule:

7 a.m. - Registration and Health Living Expo opens

8 a.m. - Opening ceremony

8:15 a.m. - Aerobic warm-up begins

8:30 a.m. - Stroke Survivor Lap starts

8:40 a.m. - Run/Walk starts

9:45 a.m. - Awards presentation

Even as technology and techniques in the treatment of stroke continue to evolve, Dr. Lee says that the most important factor of stroke treatment is time.

"It is vital that you seek immediate medical attention," he said. "Even if you aren't sure of your symptoms, if you suspect that you or someone you love is having a stroke, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest stroke center emergency room. In the case of stroke, time is the enemy."

Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

· Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

· Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech

· Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

· Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

· Sudden severe headache with no known cause

For more information on the Downtown Dash 5K Run/Walk, please call 818-409-8100. You can also visit www.downtownglendale.com or www.glendaleadventist.com.