What does your stylist know about strokes?

When I think of target areas to focus on for raising stroke awareness, salons and hairstylists just might be the one of the last areas that come to mind. But not in Cincinnati, where stylists are saving lives by participating in a new program designed to do just that.

Getting your hair done can take awhile, and the idea is to use this time to educate people. Stylists in some beauty shops and barbershops are making small talk about the signs and symptoms of strokes, and in some cases are even sending clients home with wallet cards and literature.

Health experts are relying on the relationship many stylists and barbers build with their clients, and although this sounds like a good idea (and I do want lives to be saved) I can't help but be a little annoyed. Yet another simple part of life snatched up as an "advertising" opportunity.