RHCI Offers Events to Reduce Impact of Stroke
April 24, 2009
SANDWICH – Most strokes are preventable, but many people do not know how to reduce their risk factors or identify the common symptoms of stroke. In honor of National Stroke Awareness Month, RHCI is providing a series of May events to raise public awareness about stroke and reduce the incidence and impact of stroke in our community. In addition to Healthy Living Series lectures and a technology screening event, RHCI will host two receptions to celebrate the indomitable spirit of stroke survivors. All events take place at the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Island’s main campus in Sandwich and are free to the general public.
Lectures Feature New Therapies, Tips for Improving Daily Life
On Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m., RHCI physician Gregory C. Malloy, MD will present Exciting New Options for Stroke Rehabilitation. Dr. Malloy will focus on the latest research surrounding three promising new therapies. “Over the last five to ten years, new options for stroke rehabilitation have emerged that we are bringing to RHCI,” says Dr. Malloy. “These therapies have been demonstrated to help patients with both acute and previous stroke.” Dr. Malloy will review Mirror Therapy, Neuromove™ Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to pre-register call (508) 833-4008 or visit www.rhci.org/events.
On Thursday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m., RHCI physical therapist Dawn Lucier, PT, Neuro Education Coordinator, will present Understanding the Effects of Stroke on Your Loved One, designed especially for families and caregivers. Following a brief overview of stroke risk factors and symptoms, Lucier will discuss the significance of where in the brain a stroke occurs. “Depending on its location, stroke will have more or less impact on speech, mobility and cognition,” she explains. “I’ll review the different lobes of the brain and discuss the effects of stroke in each lobe.” Lucier will offer practical tips and coping strategies that can improve daily life for anyone impacted by stroke. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to pre-register call (508) 833-4008 or visit www.rhci.org/events.
Screening for NESS H200 and L300
Since 2005, RHCI has offered advanced electrical stimulation technology for reducing foot drop and improving hand function in those with paralysis and weakness due to stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury. On Wednesday, May 13 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., RHCI therapists will provide free screenings to assess if therapy with the Bioness® H200 or L300 neuro-rehabilitation device is appropriate. Appointments are not necessary; walk-ins welcome. For information about the technology screenings contact Dawn Lucier at (508) 833-4165. Both devices have been featured in national news coverage in 2009: the H200 on Good Morning America on May 11 and the L300 on The Today Show in January.
Events Honoring Stroke Survivors
Also taking place Wednesday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m., RHCI’s Stroke Survivors’ Support Group will hold an Open House. Those affected by stroke, their family members or caregivers are invited to meet other stroke survivors, share their personal stories and ask questions. New members are especially welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Jim Graham, Coordinator, at (508) 833-4043 or email jgrahamstroke@comcast.net.
Stricken with stroke in 2002, artist Susan Wilder Hobby of Plymouth and Martha’s Vineyard pursued rehabilitation with determination, eventually teaching herself to paint with her non-dominant hand. On Monday, May 4 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m., A New Beginning art reception will take place in her honor. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Wilder Hobby, view her distinctive paintings and folk art, and enjoy light refreshments at this special celebration of the human spirit. Her work will be on display at RHCI from May 4 – May 26.
RHCI is a member of Partners HealthCare System and affiliated with Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s and Spaulding Rehabilitation hospitals. RHCI is located at 311 Service Road in East Sandwich and provides rehabilitation for residents of Cape Cod, Plymouth, Wareham and Southeastern Massachusetts.
