LAFAYETTE — Every year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke with one occurring every 40 seconds nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That’s why Franciscan Health Lafayette is hosting a stroke and brain injury support group. It’s open to survivors and caregivers of those affected by these conditions and focuses on providing support, education and encouragement to participants as they navigate the challenges of recovery.
The group meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Lafayette Family YMCA Multigenerational Room, located at 3001 S. Creasy Lane, Lafayette.
The dates and topics include:
• Aug. 10 – The group will feature guest speaker, Brent Taylor. He is an occupational therapist, and he will discuss post-stroke/brain injury emotions that survivors may experience during their recovery.
• Sept. 14 – The group will be participate in a type of crafting called Kintsugi. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of mending broken pottery. During the craft, the group will talk about rebuilding a new you.
Franciscan medical experts, including physicians, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists and social workers, will lead each session.
Those experiencing symptoms of illness or showing signs of COVID-19 can join the meetings virtually.
To register, call 765-502-4113.
Franciscan Health offers education about the warning signs of a stroke. The acronym BE FAST provides an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke and what to do if you think a stroke has occurred.
“BE FAST” STROKE SYMPTOMS:
B - Balance: Sudden loss of
balance
E - Eyes: Change or loss of vision
F - Face: Facial droop
A - Arms: Arm weakness or numbness
S - Speech: Difficulty speaking, understanding, slurred speech
T - Time: Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately
To learn more about stroke services and programs at Franciscan Health, visit onlin e at www.franciscanhealth.org/conditions-and-services/neurology-brain-and-spine/stroke/.
