A discussion titled, “Stroke Education,” at “Breakfast with the Docs” will be held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave.
A stroke is the loss of brain function due to a disturbance of blood supply to the brain – caused either by a lack of blood flow or a hemorrhage. Stroke is prevalent in seniors, with 66 percent of hospitalized stroke cases affecting people over the age of 65.
Stroke symptoms include:
• numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side)
• confusion or trouble understanding other people
• trouble speaking
• troubling seeing with one or both eyes
• dizziness
• trouble walking or staying balanced/coordinated
• severe headache starting for no known reason
Stroke symptoms differ depending on the type of stroke, where in the brain it occurs and how severe it is. In some instances symptoms develop gradually and may be more difficult to recognize.
Different types of strokes include:
• ischemic stroke
• hemorrhagic stroke
• transient ischemic attack (TIA)
In the event of a stroke, every minute is critical and emergency medical services should be called immediately. It is important to track the time when the symptoms begin and let the doctor know upon arrival at the hospital. Even if there is only one symptom, or symptoms are mild or go away, they should never be ignored.
More than 75 percent of stroke victims survive a first stroke during the first year and many recover functional independence. However, 25 percent of stroke survivors are left with a minor disability and 40 percent suffer from moderate-to-severe disabilities as a result.
Oak Park Arms Senior Living is a rental retirement community which provides senior housing in the form of independent living. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. And it’s not called “Breakfast with the Docs” for nothing: participants who attend will be served a healthy breakfast.
For more information, or to reserve a seat, call 708-386-4040.
