(editorial cont.)

month.  Since the evening meetings drew a much smaller crowd than the day time ones, we dropped the night meetings.  But this cut off the opportunity for the young onset members and working spouses to be a part of the group.  The brunches gave back that chance to interact with other PWPs and caregivers to some folks.  But attendance has fallen off, and Nancy has had to call people to see if they are coming.  Our last one, which was to be at the Franklin Hotel, had to be canceled entirely because we had only 6 reservations.  If there is anyone among our readers who wants to try heading up a brunch bunch type activity, speak to someone on the board.  Give it a whirl if you want.  They do not have to be Saturdays or lunches.  There was one where we went to Piggy Pats in Middleville for dinner on a Friday night.  And Sundays are another possibility.  Maybe the Brunch Bunch has outlived its purpose.  Maybe there is some other kind of activity we could try.  It has been a long time since we had a dinner dance or a theater outing.  Anyone who would like to volunteer to head up a social committee and plan something fun, SPEAK UP.  WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.    

 

 

Stroke Identification

 

            A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

 

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

            Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!

            Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE   (Coherently) (i.e. . It is sunny out today)

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. 

 

NOTE :

             Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

 

 

tips from

            the trenches

 

á      To keep your plate from slipping and sliding, place it on a rubber sink mat.

á      When washing your hair or face in the sink, wear wrist sweatbands to avoid water running down your arms.

á      Use a crochet hook to untie shoe lacesÑbetter yet, buy shoes with Velcro closures.

á      Glow tape can be used on light switches, door handles and to mark edges of stairs.

á      Place several containers of pre-moistened antibacterial towelettes or bottles of hand sanitizers around the house. They will save a trip to the sink to wash your hands.

á      Place rubber can coolers on the legs of your bed or other bedroom furniture to avoid stubbing your toes if you bump them in the dark.

á      Fold dollar bills in half in your wallet so you pull out only one at a time.

 


CNYPSG Website

Check it out!!

 

 
 
Source: ÒYoung ParkinsonÕs NewsletterÓ-Fall/Winter 2006.

 


http://esf.uvm.edu/vtbox/parkinson.html

 

 

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