1. Senior Solutions of Pinellas County recently participated in a Health Care Services Needs Assessment by completing a survey sent by the University of South Florida. http://hsc.usf.edu/research/researchcenters.htm
A friend and supporter of the Seniorsmile network recently sent in the following to help people determine if someone has had a stroke. It’s easy to do and by sharing the information this way, “Emergency Stroke Evaluation" Is It a Stroke?
It is our hope that the County will continue to work towards bettering coordination of general services such as affordable housing, physical and mental health care, transportation, child care services and job training for people of all ages who reside here.
2. The number of web site inquiries and request for guidance continues to grow. At this time, customized responses continue to be offered at no charge. This is a time consuming endeavor, but by doing so, we feel we increase our opportunity to help others with Senior related concerns to better deal with their problems.
Responses can only be general in nature and are based on the information the inquiring party provides in their inquiry.
we may be able to make a difference in your life, a friend, or a loved one's.
This might be a lifesaver if we can remember the three questions!
This was published in a monthly newsletter where a friend of mine lives and
he sent it on. I had never heard this advice before and hadn't a clue.
Perhaps you hadn't either and would like to file it away in the back of your
head.
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the
lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain
damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now
doctors say any bystander can recognize a stroke asking three simple
questions:
* ask the individual to smile.
* ask him or her to raise both arms.
* ask the person to speak a simple sentence.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately
and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group
of nonmedical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and
speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three
questions. They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke
Association's annual meeting last February.
(http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200037)
Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment
of the stroke and prevent brain damage."
Paralysis of either the right or left side of the body, and being unable to say words or choose the right words, make sentences, or convey thoughts clearly, are two common side effects of a stroke. Physical therapy and speech therapy usually follow in an attempt to retrain the body to full functioning capacity.
Strokes can happen to anyone at any age, but more frequently occur in those over 65. After stroke has been diagnosed, new medications may be started which will promote blood flow and help to prevent further stroke activity.