VVMC Stroke Survivor Support Group Sept. 1
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August 18, 2011
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Verde Valley Medical Center’s (VVMC) EntireCare Rehab & Sports Medicine is sponsoring a free Stroke Survivor Support Group the first Thursday of each month. The next meeting is 4 – 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1 in Conference Room A, 269 South Candy Lane.
The meeting is open to patients, family members, caregivers and anyone interested in learning about stroke prevention, treatment and care options. Light refreshments will be served. For more information about VVMC’s stroke support group, please call at 928 282-6775.
September’s meeting will feature Psychiatrist Thelma Camus, M.D. Dr. Camus will discuss the ramifications of a stroke and how it affects the body, and the standardized screening tools available for depression and anxiety.
Stroke is the most common form of nervous system-related physical disability. Symptoms of a stroke develop quickly and include numbness in the face, arms and legs, especially on one side of the body; difficulty balancing and walking; sudden blurred vision; slurred speech; and confusion. During a stroke, blocked blood vessels limit the supply of blood to the brain. When the brain senses that it is not receiving enough blood and oxygen, it sends signals that begin enlarging surrounding arteries in an attempt to compensate. If the brain does not restore the proper amount of blood and oxygen within four minutes, brain cells can start to die and possibly cause permanent brain damage.
Stroke is the second-leading cause of death worldwide and the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. As many as 700,000 Americans are affected by a stroke every year, with 500,000 being first attacks and 200,000 being recurrent attacks. Approximately 28 percent of strokes occur in people younger than 65 years old and the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years after the age of 55.
To learn more about the programs and services offered at Verde Valley Medical Center, visit VerdeValleyMedicalCenter.com.
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