Communique'

MONTGOMERY COUNTY STROKE ASSOCIATION, Inc.

A NON-PROFIT (501-C-3) ORGANIZATION HELPING STROKE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS SINCE 1981

MCSA Communique' February 2025

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: Our Communique’ is 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

Our in-person 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 in-person chapter meetings. Without chapter leaders, MCSA might offer only one in-person meeting site or might provide only virtual meetings. Contact MCSA at mcstroke@comcast.net or 301-681-6272 if you can help. 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).

* * * HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2025 * * *

February is Heart Month.

MCSA INVITES YOU TO ATTEND OUR FREE FEBRUARY 2025 PROGRAMS:

* MCSA’s STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 3rd Thursday, February 20, 3:00-4:00 p.m. E.T.

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. Meeting invitations and reminders will be emailed. See page 4.

*CHAIR YOGA WITH REGINE: Wednesday, February 5 & 26, 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. See page 3.

MCSA’s Board of Directors will meet via Zoom on Thursday, February 13th, at 10 a.m. E.T.

* * * MCSA HIGHLIGHTS * * *

STROKE RESEARCH STUDIES

Dr. Preeti Raghavan, Director of the Center of Excellence in Stroke Treatment, Recovery, and Rehabilitation at the Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute, and Vice Research Chair in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Centers of Excellence, Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute) is conducting a new stroke study. According to Kai Sheng Khor, MD, Research Fellow, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, “As part of our commitment to advancing post-stroke rehabilitation and improving the quality of life for stroke survivors, our team at Johns Hopkins is conducting clinical trials to evaluate novel treatments for upper-limb recovery.” All subjects will receive a study drug for muscle stiffness. This study will take place over 9 weeks and will include 2 injections and 5 assessment visits. Participants will be paid $100 for completing the final visit. Transportation costs will be covered. Participants must be at least 18 years old, have had a cerebral injury, have stiffness in the affected arm, lack full movement in the affected arm, be willing to have an MRI, complete all assessments, comply with the study protocols, and be able to give informed consent. If interested, contact Kai at 410-955-1347 (Motor Recovery Research Lab), or motorrecoverylab@jh.edu, or kkhor1@jh.edu.

The Neuropsychometrics Research Group at Louisiana State University is recruiting stroke or brain injury survivors for a dissertation research study investigating the use of thinking or memory strategies recommended by rehabilitation teams to manage cognitive impairment challenges. Strategies include using to-do lists, calendars, organizational strategies, reminders, planners, etc. Study participants can include people who have aphasia, as long as they can answer verbally. Participants are paid $15 for each of two 15-minute remote (by phone or computer) sessions. If interested, email Luke Miller, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, at lmil149@lsu.edu.

LOCAL IN-PERSON STROKE SUPPORT GROUPS

* Aphasia Community Group in Frederick, Md. (Brain & Balance Center): Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Call 301-662-1997 or email Sandi.Lancaster@bakerrehabgroup.com .

* SCALE (Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement). Baltimore, Md. area. SCALE is now sponsored by the League for People with Disabilities. Visit https://leagueforpeople.org for details.

* Stroke Comeback Center: In-person (Vienna, Va. and Rockville, Md.) and online classes. For details, call 703-255-5221 or visit www.strokecomebackcenter.org.

* Stroke Support Group (in person) at the Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center:

This in-person support group meets monthly on 4th Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Eastern Time in Silver Spring, Md. For details, email Asaad@adventisthealthcare.com.

* Young Aphasia Conversation Club (Y.A.C.C.): Meets monthly on 2nd Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m. E.T. in Annapolis, Md. and via Zoom. Contact Judy Crane ( jbcrane77@gmail.com or 301-520-9044).

THANKS TO OUR DONORS

MCSA thanks and appreciates generous donations recently received from SYLVIA DENNIS, BARBARA SIECK, and AMERICA’s CHARITIES. Financial contributions help MCSA continue to provide free services and programs for stroke survivors and their family caregivers Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Checks made payable to MCSA may be sent to: MCSA, P.O. Box 9343, Silver Spring, MD 20916-9343. MCSA is a 501 (c ) (3) nonprofit charitable organization.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Join Montgomery County Stroke Association’s

CHAIR YOGA with Regine

(Free Virtual Online Classes via Zoom)

4th Wednesdays: February 5 & 26

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

February 20, 2025

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.

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 February 13.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR STROKE SURVIVORS (MCSA, February 2025)

- 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: Jan 10 & 24 . 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. Check listing for their Aphasia Café and other free online programs.

- 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%.

FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH

Know the symptoms of a heart attack. Call 9-1-1.

· Chest pain (pressure, squeezing, tightness, or aching)

· Pain or discomfort spreading to shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or upper belly

· Cold sweat

· Fatigue

· Heartburn or indigestion

· Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

· Nausea

· Shortness of breath

· Women might feel a brief or short pain in the neck, arm or back.

Montgomery County Stroke Association

Visit MCSA’s Website: www.mcstroke.org

Email address: mcstroke@comcast.net

Non-emergency Helpline: 301-681-6272

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse

Communique'

MCSA Communique' February 2025

Get involved: