SSEEO Newsletter - June 1, 2011

Stroke Awareness
Franklin Marden, M.D., Interventional Neuroradiologist, Alexian Brothers Medical Center

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in this country. Every year, about 795,000 people experience a stroke – about 600,000 of these attacks are new and 185,000 are recurrent. Most people know that strokes can be devastating, but don’t exactly know how to recognize them, or what to do if they see someone have one.

Warning Signs
The American Stroke Association lists these five major signs of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

It’s never too early to learn
It is important to know that stroke is not an “old person’s” disease. Strokes can occur at any age – even children. Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in people younger than 65 years of age. Therefore, the best prevention starts at an early age.

Lowering your risk of a stroke starts with a healthy lifestyle. By understanding and managing common risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation (a type of heart disease), diabetes, excessive weight, and excessive alcohol use, your risk of stroke can be significantly reduced. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any risk factors you may have and how to keep them under better control.

Every minute counts
Stroke treatment works best when started early. We’ve made significant advances in stroke treatment over the last 5 years. New drugs and devices are now available that can quickly open up a blocked artery and restore circulation in the brain. Unfortunately, not enough people seek medical attention until it’s too late.

If you think that you or someone you see is having a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately! The call you make can save a life!

Spread the Word – Increase Awareness
If you couldn’t talk, who would speak for you? Make sure that those around you could recognize a stroke and know what to do if they had to. The Alexian Brothers Health System strives to increase community awareness of stroke throughout the year, especially during May, through free lectures, stroke risk assessments, and through collaboration with the Stroke Action Alliance. Please remember – a healthy community begins with you. If you’d like to learn more, please call 1-866-ALEXIAN (1-866-253-9426) for more information.

Dr. Marden received his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin -Madison. He subsequently completed residencies in radiology and neurology at Washington University in St. Louis, and fellowship training at the University of Illinois. He is board-certified by both the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He has presented posters and abstracts at national meetings, published articles in the neuroradiology literature, and maintained membership in several professional organizations. He is a senior member of the American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) and Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery.

Celebration of Life for Stroke Survivors

We are pleased to announce the 1st Annual SSEEO Celebration of Life fundraising event. This 1 Mile Fun Walk, 5k (3.1 miles) Walk/Run and 10k (6.2 miles) Run event will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Village Park, Winthrop Harbor, IL. The fun begins at check-in time, which is 7:30 am. The walk/run will start at 9 am.

Entry fees will include a t-shirt designed for the event and a goody bag. Pre-payment of entry fees will range from $15 to $25, depending on which of the three events you will be entering.

We are also offering a health fair which will include free screenings, blood pressure checks, education of stroke awareness and prevention, nutrition and fitness. In addition, vendors will be demonstrating various resources specifically designed to help stroke survivors.

This promises to be an exciting day for stroke survivors and their friends and families. We hope you will be able to join us as we celebrate life after stroke.

For more information visit the SSEEO website at www.sseeo.org to download the registration and pledge forms or call 888-988-4087.

Phyllis Weiss
Vice President, SSEEO
phyllis@sseeo.org

Next SSEEO Annual Conference Scheduled

Emotional Recovery After a Stroke
Saturday, October 8th 8:30am-12pm
Location-Advocate Christ Medical Center
4440 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

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