Communique'
MONTGOMERY COUNTY STROKE ASSOCIATION, Inc.
A NON-PROFIT (501-C-3) ORGANIZATION HELPING STROKE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS SINCE 1981
MCSA Communique' April 2024
You are not alone!
P.O. Box 9343 Amy Boltz, President
Silver Spring, MD 20916-9343 Janet M. Gritz, Editor
(301) 681-6272
email: MCStrokeInfo@gmail.com
We hope you like MCSA’s monthly COMMUNIQUE’ newsletter.
REMINDER: The monthly Communique’ is now being distributed digitally via email.
Only people who request “home delivery” will receive postal-delivered newsletters. To request home delivery, leave a phone message at 301-681-6272 or send an email to mcstroke@comcast.net . Please include your full name, your email address, and your home mailing address.
VIRTUAL VS. IN-PERSON MEETINGS
MCSA hopes to resume in-person meetings this year. Chapter meetings were cancelled during the pandemic. Now we need chapter chairpersons and helpers in order to again offer any or all of our previous 3 monthly chapter meetings. Without chapter leaders, MCSA might offer only one in-person meeting site or might provide only virtual meetings. Contact MCSA at 301-681-6272 if you can be of help. We invite you to let us know if you have suggestions for program topics or speakers.
Until in-person meetings resume, MCSA will offer virtual (online) programs. Notices about upcoming meetings will be listed in our newsletter, posted on MCSA’s website (www.mcstroke.org), and emailed to MCSA members who have provided their email addresses. To stay informed, please send your name and current email address to mcstroke@comcast.net and check events listings on our website (www.mcstroke.org).
MCSA INVITES YOU TO ATTEND OUR FREE APRIL 2024 PROGRAMS:
CHAIR YOGA WITH REGINE: Wednesday, April 3 & 24, 11 a.m. – 12 noon Eastern Time.
Join us for deep breathing and gentle stretching that can be done when sitting in a chair. Virtual classes via Zoom. Free. Invitations will be emailed at appropriate times. (details below)
MCSA’s STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 3rd Thursday, April 18, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
This is MCSA’s monthly virtual support group for stroke survivors and family caregivers. Ask questions, discuss stroke experiences, offer support to each other, and share helpful suggestions and resources. Free. Zoom invitations will be emailed
INTRODUCTION TO ACCUPRESSURE FOR SELF-HELP, By Alison Babil – April 8, 1-2pm ET
Interactive class that teaches participants a gentle acupressure sequence designed to bring deep calm and to support well-being. Potential for a follow-up series with a different acupressure sequence each week.
MCSA’s Board of Directors meets via Zoom on Thursday, April 11th, 10 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern Time. If you would like to join the Board, let MCSA know (mcstroke@comcast.net).
**Plan ahead for our May 2nd sail with C.R.A.B. **
* * * MCSA HIGHLIGHTS * * *
MCSA’S NEW WEBSITE: www.mcstroke.org
MCSA has revised our website. It is still a work in progress, but you will find information about our current month’s programs and a link to our monthly Communique’ newsletter. Later we will be adding stroke awareness information, photos of our events, stroke-related resources, and more.
UPCOMING MAY ELECTIONS – CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
MCSA’s Board of Directors is elected each May for a one-year term of office starting in July. We used to vote in person at our monthly Chapter meetings. However, since the pandemic MCSA has not held any chapter meetings. Therefore, all voting will be conducted via absentee mall-in ballots (which will be incuded in the May issue of the Communique’) or via phone call or email messages.
Volunteers are needed to serve on MCSA’s next Board of Directors and to be a Chapter Chairperson or Co-Chairperson. Our monthly Board meetings are currently scheduled to take place virtually on 2nd Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern Time, via Zoom.
This is not a fund-raising Board, but Board members are expected to attend monthly Board meetings regularly, participate in discussions about ways to help our members, monitor our finances, and help plan our programs. We need some Board members who are able to fulfill the duties of being an officer (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary).
If you want to volunteer to serve on the next Board of Directors or to become a Chapter Chairperson or Co-Chairperson, please contact MCSA by Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Email mcstroke@comcast.net or leave a voice message at 301-681-6272.
OTHER UPCOMING MCSA SPECIAL EVENTS in MAY - SAVE THE DATES
* MAY 2 (Thursday): Accessible sailing with MCSA and CRAB in Annapolis, Md
Limited seating. Limited transportation. RSVP by April 10. See page 6 for details.
* MAY 29 (Wednesday, 2-3pm Eastern Time): STROKE AWARENESS PROGRAM
By Sharon Harriston from Holy Cross Hospital. Free online (Zoom) program. Details to follow.
COMMUNITY STROKE AND APHASIA EVENTS
NATIONAL APHASIA ASSOCIATION’S “NIGHT OF APHASIA ARTS 2024”
On April 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., NAA will feature expressions of art (paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, singing, and active performances). For details, email art@aphasia.org.
WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES DISABILITIES EXPO - April 13
Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. E.T. Annual event by Caring Communities. Location: Samual Riggs IV Alumni Center, 7801 Alumni Drive, College Park, MD 20742. For details, email Mona Freeman at mona@caringcommnities.org or call 410-549-5707 or toll free 1-866-227-4644.
STROKE COMEBACK CENTER’S “THRIVING WITH APHASA CELEBRATION”
Thursday, June 20, 2024, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington Street, Falls Church, VA 22046. For details, email info@strokecomebackcenter.org.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Join Montgomery County Stroke Association’s
CHAIR YOGA with Regine
(Free Virtual Online Classes via Zoom)
1st & 4th Wednesdays: April 3 & 24
11 a.m. to 12 noon Eastern Time
Seated Yoga Class for Beginners with Regine Clermont
Modified for Stroke Survivors & Seniors
(Movements can be done while seated in a chair.)
Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA) presents
Montgomery County Stroke Association’s
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Meets online on 3rd Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
April 18, 2024
Save the date and Zoom with us if you can.
FREE!
Open to stroke survivors and family caregivers
Friendly, informative online stroke support group
Safe and welcoming online opportunity to:
Ask questions
Talk about your stroke experiences
Share helpful suggestions and stroke resources
Celebrate your successes
Know that you are not alone!
Email mcstroke@comcast.net if this virtual stroke support group interests you.
Zoom invitations (and meeting reminders) will be emailed to you at appropriate times.
Register in advance for this meeting: (Click on the link below to pre-register.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdu-vqzkoGt1VCzo-e-iyqWvWxdaki3hN
After registering, you will get a confirmation email from Zoom with information about joining the meeting. Save that email and use the Join Meeting link at 3pm on April 18.
You are invited to attend
Montgomery County Stroke Association’s
SPECIAL EVENT
April 8, 2024, 1-2 p.m. Eastern Time
(free virtual program via Zoom)
INTRODUCTION TO ACUPRESSURE
INSTRUCTOR: ALISON BABIL
Owner of True North Healing; Certified in Insight Acupressure
Join us for an introduction to Acupressure for your body, mind, and heart! In this interactive class, participants will learn a gentle acupressure sequence for self-care designed to bring deep calm and support well-being. Anyone can learn this simple, effective sequence. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and have a ball of rolled-up, thick socks. Potential for a follow-up series with a different acupressure sequence for each week.
Disclaimer: MCSA and Alison Babil make no guarantee with regard to healing sleep or health challenges. These programs are not a substitute for medical care.
Sail with Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA)
and Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB)
on THURSDAY afternoon, MAY 2nd, 2024
in Annapolis, Maryland
Save the Date and RSVP by April 10th
Leave your wheelchair, walker, or cane on the dock and enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sail (1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on the Chesapeake Bay in Annapolis, Maryland, with your Montgomery County Stroke Association friends. In case of rain or high winds, the sail will be cancelled.
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) crew members will get you on and off the sailboat safely. Special equipment is available, and CRAB personnel know what to do. CRAB will provide life jackets. Bring your own water and snacks or lunch. CRAB sails now take place at the new Adaptive Boating Center (ABC). Visit www.crabsailing.org for information about the new facility. The address of the ABC is 7040 Bembe Beach Road, Annapolis, MD 21403.
If you need a ride to and from the marina in Annapolis, let MCSA know by April 10 (earlier is better). We will try to match folks who are driving with folks who need a ride, but transportation is not guaranteed. Coordination of this event takes time, and seating is limited-- so if you want to sail with MCSA on May 2nd, you must RSVP by April 10th. Final arrangements must be confirmed by noon on Thursday, April 25 at the latest.
For details or to reserve a spot, email MCSA (mcstroke@comcast.net), or contact Janet Gritz at 703-509-5372. Leave a message with your name and contact information. Remember to RSVP by April 10th and confirm plans by April 25th at the latest.
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR STROKE SURVIVORS (MCSA, April 2024)
- Adler Aphasia Center: Virtual Meet-Ups. https://signupgenius.com/go/904044ba5ad23abf49-free1. Weekly meetings via Zoom on Wednesday evening or Thursday afternoon. Ask about fees.
- Adventist Rehab Hospital sponsors brain injury (including stroke), aphasia, and dysphagia support groups. Some are virtual and some are in person. For details, email Anna Zolkowski at bisupportgroup@adventisthealthcare.com, Anarose Hogan at ahogan@adventisthealthcare.com for the aphasia group, Amelie Bail at abail@adventisthealthcare.com for the Spanish BI group, or Megan Hayn at dysphagia@adventisthealth.com for the dysphagia (swallowing disorder) group. For the White Oak Medical Center stroke support group (4th Weds. at 4pm), email Asaad@adventisthealthcare.com .
- Aphasia Community Group in Frederick, Md. (Brain & Balance Center): Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Call 301-662-1997 or email Sandi.Lancaster@bakerrehabgroup.com .
- Aphasia Recovery Connection (ARC): Website (www.aphasiarecoveryconnection.org).
Facebook group. Free programs include Virtual Connections (https://www.aphasia.com/join-vc).
- Aphasia Software Finder: https://www.aphasiasoftwarefinder.org. Free. Hundreds of reviews.
- Bungalow Software: www.bungalowsoftware.com. Computer software and online programs for persons with aphasia. Free Aphasia Workbook. Monthly software highlights and free offers.
- Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center: Email rmental@chsc.org. Adult Communication Group meets every Wednesday via Zoom from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Free.
- Constant Therapy: Speech/language and cognitive therapy software and apps. 14-day free trials. For more information, email support@constanttherapy.com or visit www.constanttherapy.com.
- ETSU Communication Support Group: Email andrewscm@etsu.edu. Free. Monthly on 3rd Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Contact person: Courtney Andrews, MA, CCC-SLP.
- Flint Rehab: www.flintrehab.com. Devices for stroke recovery; free newsletter; helpful articles.
- Joan L. Green, Speech-Language Pathologist, Technology Specialist: Learn how technology can help you. Free 15-minute phone consults. Informative website. Contact Joan at 301-602-2899,1-800-IST-2550, joan@innovativespeech.com, or visit www.innovativespeech.com.
- Janet M. Gritz, MA, CCC-SLP: Free Zoom Stroke / Aphasia Chats (support groups) for stroke survivors and caregivers on 2nd & 4th Fridays, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (ET). Next dates: April 12 & 26. For details or to register, leave a message for Janet at 301-622-2282 or email janetgslp@comcast.net.
- International Aphasia Movement: https://iamaphasia.org. Small group aphasia therapy on Zoom in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Two Monday evenings per month. Free.
- League for People with Disabilities: https://leagueforpeople.org. (Includes SCALE aphasia programs.)
- Lingraphica: Sells dedicated communication devices for people with speech and language impairment, has 2 free online speech therapy programs (TalkPathNews & TalkPathTherapy), provides free Virtual Connections. Contact Lingraphica at 1-888-965-6005 or http://www.aphasia.com.
- National Aphasia Association: (naa@aphasia.org, https://www.aphasia.org): Free information, newsletter, resources, programs. Next Aphasia Café (monthly virtual chat) is on Dec. 13 (noon E.T.)
- Parrot Software: Memory, language, and cognitive programs for stroke survivors. Monthly subscription, free offers. Email parrotsoftware@gmail.com or visit www.parrotsoftware.com.
- Requests & Dedications: Free online guitar playing and singing by stroke survivor Frank Goulart. Tuesdays (3:30-4:30 pm ET) & Thursdays (5-7 pm ET). Email fgoulart@pacbell.net for program links.
- SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement): Visit https://leagueforpeople.org .
- Sibley Hospital Stroke Support Group: Meets via Zoom on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM E.T. For details, contact Jenni Knittig at 202-660-7413.
- Saebo Rehab: www.saebo.com. Helpful newsletter, devices, and articles about stroke recovery.
- Sing Aphasia: https://singaphasia.com. Weekly choir rehearsals on Zoom. First class is free, then pay-what-you-can donations are requested. Saturdays, 11 a.m. Eastern Time.
- Stroke & Aphasia Recovery (STAR) Program, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.
https://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/star-program/ Free. Tuesdays and Thursdays (Zoom).
- Stroke Comeback Center: info@strokecomebackcenter.org, www.strokecomebackcenter.org
Virtual and in-person classes in Vienna, Va., and Rockville, Md. Facebook page. 703-255-5221.
- United Stroke Alliance Community: Talk-About-It-Tuesday. https://unitedstrokealliance.org .
- Virtual Connections: Free programs. https://www.devices.aphasia.com/virtual-connections
- Voices of Hope for Aphasia: Email info@vohaphasia.org for event details and the newsletter.
- Young Aphasia Communication Club (YACC): Virtual meetings via Zoom or in person (2nd Mondays, 4-5pm E.T.) Contact Judy Crane at jbcrane77@gmail.com for details.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Stroke Re-Integration Program: Free 8-week program for older adults (65+) who had a stroke and for their caregivers. Also Fit & Well Seniors online exercise programs. For details, check their website (www.ymcadc.org) or call 202-232-6700.
OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES (NOT SPECIFICALLY STROKE-RELATED)
AARP: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/:
Exercise and fitness classes online:
- Adventist Rehab Hospital: Exercise, yoga, cooking classes. Call 240-864-6000 for details.
- Bone Builders: Age 55+, Montgomery County Public Library. Call for current dates and times. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov and look for library / exercise classes.
- Holy Cross Hospital virtual fitness classes: Visit https://www.holycrosshealth.org for details.
- Silver Sneakers: Fitness programs for age 65 +. Visit https://www.tools.silversneakers.com .
- Spirit Club: Fitness for all. Pay-what-you-can option. Daily virtual exercise, meditation, healthy cooking, and other classes. Contact Jared at 301-933-3722 or visit www.spirit-club.com.
- YouTube: Search for exercise videos by Physical Therapists “Bob and Brad.”
Library Services: Many online services are offered by the public library system in Montgomery County, Md. and Washington, D.C. Call Ask-a-Librarian at 230-777-0001 for details, or visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library or www.dclibrary.org/goDigital .
SeniorPlanet.org: Many interesting lectures, technology classes, exercise classes. To check out a program that helps seniors use technology, visit www.Seniorplanet.org/aging-connected .
StrongerMemory: Free program at www.goodwinhouse.org/stronger-memory.
Virtual Music Therapy from Kensington Park: Online (live sessions via Zoom) every other Thursday morning, 11–11:30 AM. Eastern Time. Free. RSVP to Conor (301-946-7700).
STROKE IS A BRAIN ATTACK!
DON’T DELAY. CALL 9-1-1 RIGHT AWAY.
KNOW THE TYPES OF STROKES
1. Blood Clots in or leading to the brain: These are “ischemic” strokes. The 2 main types are:
► Cerebral Thrombosis: An artery bringing blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot (thrombus) that forms inside the artery, or a clot forms in a vessel in the brain.
► Cerebral Embolism: A wandering clot (embolus) being carried by the bloodstream gets lodged in an artery in the brain. This cuts off the blood flow that brings oxygen to the brain.
2. Bleeding in the brain: These are called “hemorrhagic” strokes.
A diseased or defective artery in the brain bursts and floods the surrounding tissue with blood (cerebral hemorrhage), or a blood vessel on the surface of the brain ruptures and bleeds into the space between the brain and the skull. The resulting loss of blood supply and pressure from accumulated blood interfere with brain cell function. A cerebral hemorrhage feels like the worst headache of your life. Surgery can remove the clot and reduce pressure on the brain.
KNOW THE RISK FACTORS YOU CAN CHANGE (80+% of strokes could be prevented.)
1. High blood pressure
2. Heart disease (including atrial fibrillation)
3. High red blood cell count
4. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s)
5. Elevated blood cholesterol and lipids
6. Cigarette smoking
7. Excessive alcohol intake
8. Physical inactivity
9. Obesity
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS (SYMPTOMS) OF STROKE – CALL 9-1-1
1. Sudden weakness or odd feelings in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body;
2. Sudden and unexplained confusion, or difficulty speaking or understanding;
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
4. Sudden trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance; or loss of coordination;
5. Sudden severe headache (the worst headache of your life) with no known cause.
Here’s a way to remember stroke signs: Think “BE FAST” to help identify a stroke.
B = BALANCE. Sudden onset of dizziness or balance difficulties may be a sign of a stroke.
E = EYES. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes could be a sign of a stroke.
F = FACE. Smile. Is one side of the face droopy? (The droopy side is weaker.)
A = ARMS. Raise both arms. Is one arm lower? (The lower side is weaker.)
S = SPEECH. Say a sentence. Is speech slurred or are the words wrong or strange?
T = TIME. Time to call 9-1-1 and report a stroke. Note the time when symptoms began.
IF YOU THINK THAT SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKE,
CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!
Some treatments are only effective if they start within 4 hours of the onset of a stroke.
Fast treatment saves lives and reduces disability. Don’t delay. Call 9-1-1 right away.
Time lost is brain lost. Two million brain cells die each minute during a stroke.
Every 30 minutes of delay could reduce good outcomes by 10%.
HEART HEALTH INFORMATION (CDC figures)
Incidence and morbidity figures:
· Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S.
· Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack about every 40 seconds.
· That’s about 805,000 people in the U.S. who have a heart attack every year.
· One person in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds.
· About 695,000 people in the U.S. died from heart disease in 2021.
· One in 5 deaths in the U.S. is from heart disease.
· About 1 in 20 adults (age 20+) have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Risk factors for heart disease include:
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity,
unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
Warning signs of a heart attack (CALL 9-1-1)
· Chest pain or discomfort; shortness of breath;
· pain or discomfort in the neck, back, arm, or shoulder;
· feeling nauseous, light-headed, or unusually tired.
Montgomery County Stroke Association
Visit MCSA’s Website: www.mcstroke.org
Email address: mcstroke@comcast.net
Non-emergency Helpline: 301-681-6272
© 2024, Montgomery County Stroke Association, Inc