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MONTGOMERY COUNTY STROKE ASSOCIATION, Inc.
A NON-PROFIT (501-C-3) ORGANIZATION HELPING STROKE SURVIVORS & CAREGIVERS SINCE 1981
MCSA Communique' September 2025
MCSA Communique' September 2025
You are not alone!
P.O. Box 9343 Amy Boltz, President
Silver Spring, MD 20916-9343 Janet M. Gritz, Editor
(301) 681-6272 (MCSA)
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).
SAIL WITH MCSA and CRAB (Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating)
Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA)
and Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB)
offer accessible sailing opportunities in Annapolis, Maryland.
Next sail date: Tuesday, September 9.
Thanks to CRAB, people with disabilities can leave their wheelchairs, walkers, or canes on the dock and enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sail in Annapolis, Maryland. MCSA sponsors two such sails each year, usually one in May and one in September. Our May 13 th sail was cancelled due to rain, but 18 of us sailed on June 18 th instead. Our last sail this year will be on Tuesday, September 9. Contact MCSA ASAP if you want to sail with us in September. Priority will be given to stroke survivors (plus their family members) who who are first-time sailors (including first-timers whose June sail was shortened due to impending rain). Space is limited to 18 adults.
MCSA can provide only limited transportation. The deadline to confirm your participation is August 28, 2025.
Here is a photo of 14 of us taken on June 18, 2025 (after a short sail and before it started raining!).
ACCESSIBLE SAILING with MCSA and CRAB ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th : SAVE THE DATE! RSVP now if you want to go on our last CRAB sail of the year!
Seating and transportation assistance are limited. Priority will be given to MCSA members who are first-time sailors (including first-timers whose June sail was shortened due to impending rain). If interested, call Janet Gritz at 301-622-2282 or email: mcstroke@comcast.net .
Thanks to CRAB, people with disabilities can leave their wheelchairs, walkers, or canes on the dock and enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sail in Annapolis, Maryland. MCSA sponsors two such sails each year, usually one in May and one in September. MCSA’s final sail this year will be on Tuesday, September 9th. The deadline to confirm your participation for the September 9th sail was August 28, 2025. If you RSVP’d but did not yet confirm the final plans, contact MCSA now (email mcstroke@comcast.net or call Janet Gritz at 301-622-2282).
MCSA INVITES YOU TO ATTEND OUR FREE SEPTEMBER 2025 PROGRAMS:
* MCSA’s STROKE SUPPORT GROUP: 3rd Thursday, September 18, 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: Wednesdays, September 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. See page 3.
*REDUCING RISK OF FALLS / HOME MODIFICATIONS: Monday, Sept. 29, 1-2:00 p.m. E.T.
Speaker: Melissa Bressler, HandyPro of Washington, DC Metropolitan.
MCSA’s Board of Directors will meet via Zoom on Friday, September 4, at 10 a.m. E.T.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Join Montgomery County Stroke Association’s
CHAIR YOGA with Regine
(Free Virtual Online Classes via Zoom)
1st & 4th Wednesdays: September 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.)
Free virtual (online) program - via Zoom. Zoom invitations will be emailed to you. If you have not received your invitation, email mcstroke@comcast.net to request an invitation.
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
September 18, 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.
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 the 3rd Thursday of the month.
Montgomery County Stroke Association (MCSA) invites you to attend a special virtual program:
Topic: “Preventing Falls at Home: Smart Modifications to Support Stroke Recovery”
Speaker: Melissa Bressler, OTR/L, CBIS, CAPS, ECHM
HandyPro of Washington D.C. Metropolitan
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time
SEPTEMBER IS “FALLS PREVENTION MONTH”
Stroke survivors are at greater risk of falling.
Learn about modifications to make your home safe and accessible, and tips to reduce the risk of falling at home.
Subtopics include:
Why falls happen
Impact of falls
Low and moderate cost home modifications
Local funding for high-cost modifications
Home safety checklist
Here is the Zoom registration link for this virtual program:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ3uHeOOR86_HU7kCfBbcg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting on Monday, September 29th.
ONLINE RESOURCES FOR STROKE SURVIVORS (MCSA, September 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: September 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. 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.
- Saebo Rehab: www.saebo.com. Helpful newsletter, devices, and articles about stroke recovery.
- 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.
- 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%.
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
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