Stroke Community Outreach, Education and Engagement
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Atrial Fibrillation: A Risk Factor for Stroke
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Stroke In AFib the heart’s two small upper chambers (atria) don't beat normally. They beat irregularaly and too fast, quivering (like a bowl of gelatin). This can cause blood to pool and clots to form, increasing the risk of stroke. By itself, AFib is generally not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to serious medical complications. • Nearly 350,000 AFib hospitalizations every year • AFib can contribute to congestive heart failure and other serious heart conditions • Nearly 1 in every 6 strokes is caused by AFib • AFib patients are about five times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the condition • AFib-related strokes are nearly twice as fatal and twice as disabling as non-Afib related strokes. Atrial Fibrillation Symptoms • Irregular and rapid heartbeat • Heart palpitations or rapid thumping inside your chest • Dizziness, sweating, chest pain or pressure • Shortness of breath or anxiety • Getting tired easily when exercising • Fainting |
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Atrial Fibrillation Affects?
More than 2.6 million Americans are affected by AFib, and that number is expected to increase to ~12 million by 2050, due to the aging of our population. Atrial Fibrillation Risk Factors • People older than 40 years have 1 in 4 risk of developing Afib in their lifetime • Obesity is associated with changes in the heart that are known predictors of AFib • Changes to the heart caused by high blood pressure can lead to AFib. |
Stroke Survivor & Caregiver Corner
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How to Lower AFib Related Stroke Risk?
Treatment goals are to reduce risk of blood clots and stroke and manage abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Healthcare providers may prescribe anticoagulants or antiplatelets, which are blood thinners to help prevent blood clots from forming. Abnormal heartbeats may be treated with medications that affect the heart’s rate (pacing) or rhythm (coordination), or a surgical procedure such as electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation or surgical intervention.
References
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
Treatment goals are to reduce risk of blood clots and stroke and manage abnormal heart rate or rhythm. Healthcare providers may prescribe anticoagulants or antiplatelets, which are blood thinners to help prevent blood clots from forming. Abnormal heartbeats may be treated with medications that affect the heart’s rate (pacing) or rhythm (coordination), or a surgical procedure such as electrical cardioversion, catheter ablation or surgical intervention.
References
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/atrial-fibrillation
HOUSTON APHASIA RECOVERY CENTER |
Girl Scouts Are Going Virtual - Saturday Sept 26 |
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HARC is open for people with aphasia, their caregivers, and families. The entry point for new participants and caregivers is the Introductory Program that evaluates communication ability and provides techniques for communicating with aphasic people. To start, call for information and schedule a facility tour. After your screening is complete, you will participate in the Introductory Program. Then, you and your caregiver will be part of the HARC family. Address: 5005 Woodway Drive, Suite 110, Houston, Texas 77056; 713-781-7100
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Join us for the 3rd UTHealth Girl Scouts Stomp Out Stroke Program on Saturday, Sept. 26, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm via WebEx. We will be live from the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, providing
a full day of Stroke and Brain related interactive, educational sessions such as Brain Anatomy and Function, Stomp Out Stroke, Brain Fitness, Brain On Drugs, Brain Nutrition, Tobacco Prevention and more! Registration is REQUIRED! FREE. For Daisies, Brownies and Juniors only. Limited to 150 Girl Scouts. Register HERE |
Know the Signs of Stroke |
Know Less Common Stroke Symptons |
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A stroke, is a brain attack, every second counts. Think FAST to learn stroke warning signs!
F - Ask the person to smile; Does one side droop? A - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T - If you observe any of these signs, TIME TO CALL 911 immediately! |
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MIND AND BODY HEALTH
The Jung Center's Mind Body Spirit Institute Weekly Meditation
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Offering free, live-streamed sessions of Weekly Meditation: The Power of Community, a program focused on cultivating wellness and emotional health. To register or for more information, click on the below image. For further information and resources on coping with the current COVID-19 crisis, visit the Stroke Institute's Mental Health Division HERE.
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Managing Stress & Anxiety in a 24-hour News Cycle
by Jennifer B. Hughes
As we continue to deal with the stress of COVID-19 and other information online and in the media, many people are feeling irritated and anxious. For some, this might affect how they interact with their family and friends and how they feel at work. With all the information bombarding us every single day, sometimes it feels like there is no way to escape it! Fortunately, we can take back some control and choose how much and what types of media we have in our lives.
It is recommended that you decide how much media is healthy for you personally and when you want to watch the news or be on social media. You might think about choosing a specific time of day, say from 4pm- 4:30pm, and ONLY allow yourself to watch the news or be online during that time. This can be tricky at first, and it's so tempting to go to social media during down times in our day, but by making this choice and sticking to it, you are taking back your power, which can help decrease anxiety and irritation.
It is recommended that you decide how much media is healthy for you personally and when you want to watch the news or be on social media. You might think about choosing a specific time of day, say from 4pm- 4:30pm, and ONLY allow yourself to watch the news or be online during that time. This can be tricky at first, and it's so tempting to go to social media during down times in our day, but by making this choice and sticking to it, you are taking back your power, which can help decrease anxiety and irritation.
UTHealth Stomp Out Stroke Festival Update |
Thanks to our 2019 Stomp Out Stroke Festival Sponsors! |
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2019 was our last Stomp Out Stroke Festival. The festival started in 2013 and over seven years grew to one of the largest stroke community programs in the country, with thousands of Houstonians participating. We will be announcing new community programming for 2020!
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Stroke Strides
A UTHealth Stroke Institute Community Newsletter
Connecting stroke survivors, caregivers and the community. Our focus is increasing stroke awareness and knowledge, providing stroke education, updates on stroke research and treatment and information on local resources.
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Stroke Strides June 2020 Newsletter
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Stroke Strides Junio 2020 Boletin
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JUNE 2020 ISSUE
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Stroke Support Groups |
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West Houston Stroke Warriors
Houston's largest stroke support group with over 120 stroke survivors & caregivers. Meet new friends, enjoy fun activities, or share your story with other stroke survivors. Meets Saturday @ 10 am. To join or for further information, contact Wanda Adams, 281-588-8590 or wanda.adams@hcahealthcare.com. Find A Stroke Support Group Near You!
For information on stroke support groups near you, go to the American Stroke Association Stroke Support Group Finder. ** Many stroke support groups have suspended meetings or changed their meeting format to comply with stay-at-home orders and social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. Use the contact information provided to check for meeting schedule changes before trying to attend any meeting at this time.
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Volunteer Spotlight
June's Volunteer of the Month
Maria Oquendo Chan BSN, RN, CRRN, known as Dolly by her co-workers, friends and patients, is a Brain Injury and Spasticity nurse at TIRR Memorial Hermann Outpatient Medical Clinic. Dolly completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from West Visayas State University in the Philippines. She has over 30 years of clinical experience and is a long standing member of the Association of Rehab Nursing - Southeast Texas Chapter.
Dolly has been nominated several times for the Daisy Award by patients and their families. She is proud to be a nurse and is dedicated to caring for her patients. and frequently volunteers in the hospital, for church and in many community outreach programs. She has been a tremendous support for our Stroke Institute Community Engagement program, participating annually in our Stomp Out Stroke Festival. Dolly has one daughter, also a nurse, who joins her on some of her volunteer services. We are excited to recognize Dolly as June's Stroke Volunteer Star!
Dolly has been nominated several times for the Daisy Award by patients and their families. She is proud to be a nurse and is dedicated to caring for her patients. and frequently volunteers in the hospital, for church and in many community outreach programs. She has been a tremendous support for our Stroke Institute Community Engagement program, participating annually in our Stomp Out Stroke Festival. Dolly has one daughter, also a nurse, who joins her on some of her volunteer services. We are excited to recognize Dolly as June's Stroke Volunteer Star!
Stroke Survivor & Caregiver Stories
Ashlyn Bigger's stroke story of survival
Ashlyn Bigger's stroke story of survival