Stroke Awareness – Content by Judy
Yes, it is a true emergency!! If anyone, any age has sudden numbness in their face, arm, leg, especially on one side of the body. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 right away!! This is a real emergency. If left unattended the consequences can be life altering if not fatal.
If you think someone might be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
The sooner someone is treated the better the outcome. Strokes can be potentially reversed or at least stopped if a stroke is treated within the first 3 hours. Call an ambulance. Do not drive them!! The crew on the ambulance can start treatment sooner and the outcome will be better. You want life-saving treatment as soon as possible!!
If you think you are having a stroke call 911 right away. You might not be able to make that call even a few minutes later.
Every year over 800,000 people have a stoke. Nearly 150,000 die each year. Strokes are the leading cause of serious long-term disability. BUT 80% of strokes are PREVENTABLE!!
Most strokes are caused by clots blocking blood flow in the brain and strokes are a leading cause of disability. Some ways to prevent or lower your risk of having a stroke is to stop smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, eat plenty of veggies and fruit, and exercise. Also be sure you are managing your diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart disease. Stress and depression can also contribute to the risk of a stroke.
By looking at your own risk factors of having a stroke and living a healthier lifestyle you can help reduce the odds of having a stroke. Be sure to review all of this with your health care professionals. Check with them before taking or changing supplements to see if they are right for you. Get regular checkups. Reach out to other professionals for help to improve your lifestyle.
And it is never too late to change! Talk to your doctor and modify some things in your life!!
RENTER’S REBATE PROGRAM 2021
For our seniors and disabled residents that have rented in Connecticut during the 2020 calendar year, you may qualify for the State Renter’s Rebate Program. We will begin taking applications in May and the Program runs until the end of September. For details, income guidelines, required documents, please contact Kathie at the Center! #860-848-0422. For those seniors and disabled residents that are homebound, our Outreach Worker, DeeAnn Morton, can come to the home to complete the application. She can be reached at #860-848-8820 or the Senior Center number in the late afternoon.
CERTIFIED CHOICES COUNSELOR PROGRAM
Offered by appointment at the Center, the Director, Kathie Peck is a Certified Choices Counselor and offers assistance to those in need on Medicare, Supplemental Plans / Medigaps, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, & more. Also, Benefits checks to see what/all of the state/federal programs you might qualify for. Information on your current income is needed. This is done with confidentiality and privacy for you! Make your appointment today!
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PROGRAM
The Department of Senior and Social Services has medical equipment (i.e. wheel chairs, walkers, shower seats, commodes, etc.) available for our Montville residents on a loan basis. The equipment can be borrowed for any length of time and returned whenever finished. FREE program, a release form must be signed. Call @ #860-848-0422 for details.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Facilitated by UCFS and our Better Health Clinician, Kendra, we have a once a week Grief Support Group at the Center on Fridays from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. Presently this is done through phone calls / zoom though we hope to be back in person soon! This is a free program. Are you sad or suffering the loss of a loved one? Spouse, child, friend, or pet? Sometimes it is very difficult to deal with such loss. Come and join this confidential and private grief support group and learn coping techniques and ways to help you deal with your loss. Support group is on-going, no need to sign up, just come and join us in the Library at the Center. No need to speak in the group if you are not comfortable, you will still take away ways to cope with loss!