The Mid-Shore Stroke Support Group will meet Thursday, September 4, at 1-2:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 617 N. Washington Street in Easton, and a new stroke support group will meet on Tuesday, September, 23, 12-2 p.m. at UM Shore Medical Pavilion at Queenstown, Suite 320.
Both stroke support groups provide information and strategies supporting stroke recovery and care-giving. Their meetings are free and open to anyone whose life has been touched by stroke.
Stroke is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year, approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke, and the average time for recovery is two years.
The value of social support in stroke recovery has been validated in recent studies, according the American Stroke Association. Feelings of depression and isolation are eased by participating in a support group, and equally important, the support groups often challenge participants “to get beyond their doctor-imposed, therapist-imposed, family-imposed, and self-imposed limitations.”
The Mid-Shore Stroke Support Group meeting will feature two speakers. Melissa Mueller, director of The Presbyterian Church Preschool, will talk on how stroke support group members and their friends and families can help with the Church’s reading to pre-schoolers program; and Kathi Naumann, a caregiving educator, will discuss a video and website that she made to help caregivers and family members care for a stroke survivor safely and effectively. To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 410-822-1000, ext. 5068.
The Queenstown Stroke Support Group is led by Jessica Fluharty, RN, neuroscience specialist at UM Shore Regional Health. The inaugural meeting presents an opportunity for Queen Anne’s County stroke survivors and their family members and friends to learn about resources and strategies that support stroke recovery and care-giving. Attendees are invited to bring a lunch; light refreshments will be served. To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 410-822-1000, ext. 5068.