Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in Oregon and the number one leading cause of disability in the world. Eighty percent of strokes are preventable with lifestyle and medical intervention. Rapid medical assessment and treatment has been shown to make a difference in long-term recovery.
Stroke is caused either by a blood clot or a ruptured artery, interfering with blood and oxygen getting to the brain.
Time is brain — for every minute without oxygen, two million brain cells die.
Know F.A.S.T. It may help save a life.
We had two of our stroke survivors create amazing videos for us to share during May to bring awareness. They were generous enough to create the videos below with their time and resources. Click the names to enjoy the videos from board member, Keith Taylor and founding member, Kim O’Kelley-Leigh.
Thank you is not enough!
With short notice, the international organization #GivingTuesday recognized the need to honor organizations affected adversely by the COVID-19 quarantine and worked diligently to launch #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5. Like many other nonprofit organizations, all of our May events were postponed and put a financial strain on Stroke Awareness Oregon. We are thankful for each and every donation received.
We raised a total of $1,665 online, that means we reached a total of $3,330 with our matching funds last week.
(Please note, checks are still coming in. We will have a grand total in the June newsletter.)
If you missed the Giving Tuesday event and would like to make a tax deductible donation, click here. The matching donation still applies.
Again, thank you!
With COVID-19, Stroke Awareness Oregon has postponed all May events. Watch our calendar and your email for more event information and registration opportunities as the state goes through the process of reopening to in-person meetings.
Stroke Vendor Fair: September 10
Annual Luncheon: October 21
To host a table at the Stroke Vendor Fair or be a table sponsor at the Annual Luncheon, contact us for more information.
SUPPORT GROUPS ON ZOOM
The Caregiver Support Group taking place on Monday, May 25th will be Nick’s last with us as he is graduating with his masters. He has brought Ofelia on to facilitate the group. She is a student at OSU-Cascades in the same program as Nick. She has joined the group for the last few meetings and will be a great asset to the meetings. Attend the Zoom call on the 25th and share your appreciation for Nick over the last year and a half.
Caregiver Support
WHAT: Free and confidential for caregivers of those with chronic conditions
WHEN: Mondays, May 25 and June 8 at 1pm
WHERE: On Zoom
For questions email Nick Boragno or call 541-323-5641
Stroke Support Group
WHAT: Free and confidential group for stroke survivors and their caregivers
WHEN: Tuesdays, May 12 and 26 at 3pm
WHERE: On Zoom
For questions, email Keith Taylor or call 541-323-5641
Men’s Support Group
WHAT: Attending is FREE and open to stroke survivors, caregivers welcome
WHEN: Thursdays, May 14 and 28 at 3pm
WHERE: On Zoom
For questions, email Keith Taylor or call 541-323-5641
Zoom Cheat Sheet
Never used Zoom? We have a cheat sheet to download the app and attend a meeting. Join us from your smart phone, computer or tablet.
To join the Zoom Meeting on your computer or smart phone zoom.us/j/5605557599
To call in, dial 669-900-9128 enter Meeting ID: 560 555 7599
Meditation/Mindfulness for recovery
We recently started a new class out of a desire to help with recovery. The medical community has come to see the benefits. This article identifies that, “Scientific evidence suggests the health benefits of meditation include improved memory, duller pain perception, increased ability to focus, and more.”
Click here to read an article with more information about the connection between meditation and improving brain function.
Meditation/mindfulness for recovery takes place weekly on Wednesdays at 3pm on Zoom.
Contact Ruth at ruthshilling@strokeawarenessoregon.org to learn more.
GET ACTIVE
Exercises to Prevent Falls
BEST Balance & Walking Exercises to Prevent Falls for Seniors, After Stroke or Knee/Hip Replacement
Click to watch
OT Exercises for Hands
Here’s a short hand exercise for stroke patients to try at home! All it requires is paper and a flat surface.
Click to watch
Benefits of gratitude
“Whether you choose to write a few sentences in a gratitude journal or simply take a moment to silently acknowledge all that you have, giving thanks can transform your life.”
Read the full article to find seven scientifically proven benefits. Full article here.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
St. Charles Outpatient Therapy
Michelle Collins, OTR/L spoke to our Stroke Support Group in April. She recently sent the following update:
St. Charles is opening up outpatient clinics on a limited basis, they are having only a few therapists on each day. If you have questions, contact your therapist directly or call the scheduling phone line at 541-706-7725.
Thank you Michelle!
Teletherapy available
Overland Speech and Swallowing Rehabilitation is now offering teletherapy speech, voice, language, and swallowing therapy to adults throughout Oregon. Owner and SLP, Mary Burns is also offering caregiver/partner training sessions for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or lost in what to do with regular therapy sessions being canceled.
Call 541-241-8903 or email at contact@overlandslp.com to schedule.
Thank you medical professionals!
We want to extend a huge thank you to all the medical professionals who are making big sacrifices to help out during this epidemic. Your sacrifice and dedication do not go unseen.
Staying connected is possible
Are you on Facebook? Go to our group called Staying Social Despite the Distance. (There’s a post at the top of our SAO page. Join the group and stay connected.) This month’s question: What good books are you reading? Share with us either by replying to this email and we’ll share them online or go to Facebook at this link below.
Keep your brain healthy
Eighty percent of strokes are preventable. Take the time to keep your brain healthy. Read through the full infographic below by clicking here.
Additional Information
- Resources during COVID-19, go to centraloregonresources.org
- What the world can learn right now from those with aphasia
- The AdvenChair — a wheelchair designed for adventure — read about it here
- Be persistent in aphasia recovery with this article from the National Aphasia Association
- The Healing Trauma Conference took place electronically on May 1, but you can still watch the sessions. Click here to register and have access for one year.
Listen to Podcasts
The American Stroke Association recently released podcasts titled COVID-19 and Stroke Podcast Series: Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Stroke Survivors.
