Survivors of stroke have support

March 04--DEMING -- If you or a family member have ever suffered a stroke, you know the devastating and often, long term effects a stroke can leave.

A stroke or cerebrovascular accident occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off -- this called an ischemic stroke. When a blood vessel bursts, this is known as a hemorrhagic stroke.

Survivors of Stroke is a local support group that was created to help victims and families of strokes deal with life after the stroke.

"The group is about supporting stroke survivors, their family members and anyone in the community interested in learning more about strokes," said Mimbres Memorial Hospital Therapy Director Frank Gramer. "Strokes effect the brain, patient recoveries vary on the area effected in the brain and the patient too."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes the important thing is what to do if stroke symptoms happen. The sooner the treatment, the less chance of serious damage to the brain. And this means less chance of permanent disability to the patient.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke are vital. The patient should be taken to the hospital with any of the following symptoms:

--Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side

--Confusion or trouble understanding other people

--Trouble speaking

--Trouble seeing with one or both eyes

--Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated

--Dizziness

--Severe headache that comes on for no known reason

The group is made up of medical staff dedicated to helping family of stroke patients, caregivers, and survivors themselves. The group meets at 3 p.m. in the cafeteria of Mimbres Memorial Hospital every third Tuesday of the month.

Gramer said the group presents a guest speaker at every meeting and refreshments and snacks are provided.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most strokes are of the ischemic type. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die. Death or permanent disability can result.

MMH Speech and Language Pathologist Leigh Smith is charge of the group and its meetings.

On average, one American dies from a stroke every four minutes. Strokes kill almost 130,000 people each year.

High blood pressure, smoking, and having had a previous stroke or heart attack increase a person's chances of having a stroke.

Residents can help prevent stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices. A healthy lifestyle can include the following:

--Eating a healthy diet.

--Maintaining a healthy weight.

--Getting enough exercise.

--Not smoking.

--Limiting alcohol use.

Getting to an emergency care physician at the first signs of a stroke is critical to the patient.

Elena Ruiz may be reached at (575)546-2611 (ext. 2608).

___

(c)2015 The Deming Headlight (Deming, N.M.)

Visit The Deming Headlight (Deming, N.M.) at www.demingheadlight.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC