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As a valued supporter of
National Stroke Association
you will receive Brain Alert
six times a year to keep you
up-to-date on what we are
doing in the community.
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Holiday Cheer for Stroke Ornament Decorating Contest Winner |
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National Stroke Association was pleased with the response to the new Holiday Cheer for Stroke campaign. Stroke survivors, their families and caregivers shared in fun activities and games to bring them closer together during the Holiday Season. The winner of the ornament decorating contest is Aimee, an 11-year-old girl from Colorado, who created an ornament dedicated to her grandfather, an eight-year stroke survivor. Thanks to all who participated. To view the ornaments go to www.stroke.org/HolidayCheer_contest. |
Ornament text:
Silent nights remind me of quiet nights in a cold, lonely hospital room, when my grandpa lay still and voiceless recovering from a silent stroke the months of waiting for him to awake or speak were some of the most silent nights our family experienced. Now eight years later my grandpa speaks and is only silent as he thanks the Lord for the gift of life.
Congratulations Aimee! |
THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE
With your tax-deductible donation to National Stroke Association, you help bring the gift of hope to millions of stroke survivors and their loved ones. There are many ways to show you care:
- Donate online at www.stroke.org/donate or mail a check payable to National Stroke Association to the address below. (A gift of $25 or more entitles you to a year of our bimonthly magazine, StrokeSmart.)
- Make a special gift to mark a special occasion in the life of a loved one or friend-holidays, anniversaries, graduations and birthdays are excellent opportunities for giving. You can also honor the memory of someone who passed following a stroke.
- Designate your United Way or other workplace campaign donation to National Stroke Association.
- Ask your employer to match your personal donation.
- Join our Heritage Society by remembering National Stroke Association in your will. (Talk with your financial advisor for more details.)
- Consider hosting a local fundraiser for National Stroke Association. (A walk or run, a reception, an auction, or a trip to a sports event or to the theater are just a few of the activities you and your friends can enjoy.)
Remember, the donation you make today could make a big difference for a loved one - or for you - tomorrow!
Thanks for caring. |
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Donate to National Stroke Association at www.stroke.org/donate
or call 1-800-STROKES (787-6537).
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ON THE GO FOR STROKE
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Tenth Annual Walk with Dinah is a Success
October 2007 marked the 10th year for Walk with Dinah, which was a great success! There were a record number of walkers and donations. This year's walk brought the cumulative fundraising total to over $100,000. Pictures of the event and more information are available at www.stroke.org/EVSuridis.
On St. Patrick's Day in 1998, Jim, Gregory, Annette and Alicia Suridis unexpectedly lost their mother, Dinah, to a stroke. Rather than grieve and move on with their lives, the four siblings made a lasting move in honor of their mother's memory by creating "Walk with Dinah and Friends" to raise money for stroke prevention and awareness. |
| Second Annual Dance For Dignity |
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Preparations are underway for the 2nd Annual Dance for Dignity to be held in Denver, Colorado on Friday, May 9, 2008. Organizers of the event chose to hold the dance during National Stroke Awareness Month in hopes of raising awareness in the community. Attendees of last year's event commented on how wonderful and freeing it was to be able to dance without fear of being judged or being stepped over and trampled on. Pictures of the 2007 event and more information are available at www.stroke.org/EVDanceForDignity.
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| If you would like to participate in or contribute to this event, visit http://www.stroke.org/ or contact Melanie Wheless at 303-754-0942. |
| National Stroke Association and Fado's Raise Stroke Awareness in Denver |
National Stroke Association has been selected by Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant in Denver as the charity of choice for its 2008 St. Patrick's Day celebration. This year's celebration is a two day event on March 15 and March 17. National Stroke Association will be prominently recognized before and during the event. In addition we will have an information booth on the square outside the restaurant and will receive some of the proceeds from the event. There will be about 8-9,000 people passing through the tent each day. For National Stroke Association, this is an opportunity to raise awareness about stroke to an audience who may not otherwise hear our message. |
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By being chosen, National Stroke Association has agreed to supply volunteers to perform a number of functions (serve food and beverages, handle monetary transactions, attach entrance wristbands and work at the National Stroke Association information booth) on Saturday, March 15, and Monday, March 17. Volunteers are needed! Read more about this event or sign up to help at www.stroke.org/EVStPat. |
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65th Annual Golden Globes®: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Wins Award
Acclaimed French film The Diving Bell and the Butterfly took home Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director Award at the 65th Annual Golden Globes®. The film has also been nominated for four Oscars®.
The film, directed by Julian Schnabel, is based on the autobiography of Jean-Dominique Bauby, former editor for French Elle magazine. Bauby suffered a brain-stem stroke that left him with Locked-In Syndrome (completely paralyzed). Despite this major adversity, his creative spirit remained intact. Bauby continued to tell a story like no other, in the most painstaking, heartrending and inspiring way imaginable: with his left eyelid. Bauby passed away just four days after his international bestselling memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, was published, and before the book was transformed into this feature film.
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is currently in theaters nationwide.
National Stroke Association was honored to sponsor The Diving Bell and the Butterfly at the 2007 STARZ Denver Film Festival, where the film received rave reviews. |
NEW FOR YOU
| National Stroke Awareness Month Tools to Use |
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Now is a great time to start thinking about ways to increase stroke awareness during National Stroke Awareness Month in May. National Stroke Association has several new products available for purchase for your employee or community outreach awareness event. These products make perfect gifts and give-aways for your Stroke Awareness Month activities.
Products are designed to create awareness about stroke symptoms (Act F.A.S.T. with Stroke!) and empower stroke survivors (HOPE: Stroke is a Lifelong Journey).
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Act F.A.S.T with Stroke!
- Rotating Message Pen
- Magnet
- Stress Ball Brain
- Act F.A.S.T Wristband
HOPE: Stroke is a Lifelong Journey
- Triangle Pen
- Coffee Mug
- Pill Box
- Medicine List
- HOPE Wristband
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| Visit http://www.stroke.org/ in early March 2008 to view and purchase these products. Also, the Q&A section in the March/April issue of StrokeSmart magazine will have ideas of things you can do to increase stroke awareness in your area. |
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Dreaming Into Reality Calendar
La Reina Williams was a 29-year-old divorcee and the mother of four small children when her life was forever changed by a stroke. La Reina's experiences, as well as the support she received from her family and the inspirational calendar in StrokeSmart magazine, motivated her to create a beautiful calendar filled with original inspirational quotes.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of this calendar will benefit National Stroke Association awareness and education efforts. Preview this calendar and read La Reina's story at www.stroke.org/EVCalendar.
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| Celebrity Red Shoe Auction to benefit National Stroke Association |
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The Red Shoe Initiative is a national health education campaign, pioneered by Spirit of Women. Whether it's taking steps to maintain a healthy diet, walking daily to increase physical activity, or dancing with friends and family to share and enjoy exercise, this campaign is motivating women across America to take action to increase their cardiovascular wellness.
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The Red Shoe Initiative also has created a nationwide celebrity red shoe auction, which includes several red CARLOS by Carlos Santana shoes signed by celebrities. 100% of the proceeds will benefit National Stroke Association and its efforts to increase stroke awareness.
The celebrity red shoe auction begins February 5th on eBay, and auctions will last for 10 days. Shoes include autographs from the following celebrities:
- Marcia Cross, Desperate Housewives
- Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives
- Alanis Morrisette, Grammy-Award Winning Musician
- Carlos Santana, Grammy-Award Winning Musician
- Leann Rimes, Grammy-Award Winning Musician
- Carrie Ann Inaba, Dancing With the Stars
Visit http://www.stroke.org/ for more information on The Red Shoe Initiative and Celebrity Red Shoe Auction. |
Brain Attack: A Stroke Survival Guide Available for Purchase
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Brain Attack: A Stroke Survival Guide, produced by Al Roker Productions, Inc. in partnership with National Stroke Association, is available for purchase online for $9.99. NBC first aired the one-hour television program in 2007 and early 2008, and National Stroke Association would now like for you to have a copy of your own.
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Learn about stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and making the most of life after stroke. Celebrity stroke survivors also share their stories of survival and inspiration.This is a great program to share with friends and family during National Stroke Awareness Month in May.
Order your DVD or VHS copy today! Visit www.stroke.org/tv for more information about the program. |
StrokeSmart Magazine: Time to Heal
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Is there any evidence that alternative medicine can help stroke survivors? Are organic foods really healthier? How can writing in a journal help the caregiver?
Find out answers to these questions and more by reading the March/April 2008 Healing Issue of StrokeSmart. Also in this issue are stories about Web tools that can connect you to other stroke survivors around the globe, how rehearsing your therapy in your mind can improve your outcomes, and what you need to do right now to prepare for National Stroke Awareness Month in May. |
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THANK YOUR BRAIN
The best way to thank your brain each day is by protecting it from a stroke or brain attack. National Stroke Association wants you to increase your knowledge of risk factors for stroke and begin taking steps to lower your risk.
Get Moving! |
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Our focus risk factor for February and March is Physical Fitness. Your physical health greatly affects your stroke risk. People between the ages of 40 and 79 who can do basic physical tasks may have half the stroke risk than those who cannot. This is after other health conditions are taken into account (according to a study published in Neurology). |
Start the new year off by resolving to increase your physical activity. Begin with small changes such as parking your car farther away in the lot and taking the stairs rather than elevators or escalators. And now exercise isn't just walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. There are many fun and inexpensive classes offered through your local park district. For those who prefer working out at home you can find fun DVDs in stores. So try belly-dancing, cardio salsa or walking in the park for at least three days a week and increase the oxygen circulation in your body. Your brain will show its appreciation by staying healthy. |
ATTENTION STROKE PROFESSIONALS
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WE MOVE Case Study on Phenol Injections for Reducing Hypertonicity |
National Stroke Association is pleased to announce a collaboration with WE MOVE and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation on a case study entitled Case Study: Phenol Injections for Reducing Hypertonicity in a Patient with Longstanding Post-Stroke Spasticity as part of The Role of Chemodenervation in the Management of Hyperkinetic Movement Disorder initiative.
This case study examines the addition of phenol injections to oral medications for control of muscle overactivity. Treatment planning and follow-up are illustrated over the course of five clinic visits. The case also includes pre- and post-treatment video. The case was authored by Richard Zorowitz, MD, Visiting Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
This case study may be accessed through the WE MOVE Movement Disorder Virtual University CME Classrooms at www.mdvu.org/classrooms/cme or through National Stroke Association at www.stroke.org/MEDPRO. |
| Stroke Center Network - Growing and Expanding |
National Stroke Association's Stroke Center Network continues to grow and expand its benefits offerings to members.
The Stroke Center Network is a membership program for hospitals that are dedicated to providing the highest quality of stroke care. The Stroke Center Network provides support, tools and other resources that help member organizations prevent new strokes, strengthen care delivery systems, improve individual patient outcomes and boost their position in the marketplace.
Stroke Center Network members have exclusive access to the following programs and resources: |
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- Continuing medical education programs including online education programs (NEW Stroke Nurse Education Modules coming in 2008!) and Grand Rounds
- Patient, care partner, health care provider and community education materials and tools
- Free and unlimited web-based and classroom-style NIHSS training, testing and certification services
- Unlimited copies of StrokeSmartTM magazine to distribute to stroke patients and their care partners
- Monthly e-newsletter that includes breaking clinical news and member updates
- Opportunities for networking with other SCN member sites via online discussions and "round table" telephone chats
- Discounts for participation in other National Stroke Association prevention, pre-hospital and rehabilitation programs, including registration for National Stroke Association's annual regional meetings
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| If you are interested in learning how the Stroke Center Network can support your facility's commitment to advancing stroke prevention and care, contact the SCN Program Coordinator at scn@stroke.org or 303.754.0934. |
| Prehospital Provider Training Solutions |
National Stroke Association is excited to offer a new stroke training DVD for EMS providers. The Stroke Rapid Response™ DVD is available for $49.99 in the online store at http://www.stroke.org/. Order your copy today!
For those who prefer individualized computer-based learning, Stroke Rapid Response™ Online is the perfect method of training. Those on the go can receive training at their pace. CEUs are awarded immediately upon completion of the training. For more details visit www.stroke.org/EMS. |
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| Stroke: The Full Continuum of Care - Dates and Locations for 2008 |
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Plan to attend Stroke: The Full Continuum of Care, National Stroke Association's regional stroke team meetings. Day one features the dedicated Nurse Meeting followed by the Interdisciplinary Meeting on days 2 and 3.
Registration and the program agenda will be available online in April 2008. If you'd like to receive a Preliminary Program, please email info@stroke.org. |
West Meeting (collaboration with Western States Stroke Consortium)
Long Beach, CA
Thursday, September 4 - Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hotel: Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802; Tel: (562) 437-5900
Central Meeting (collaboration with Great Lakes Regional Stroke Network)
Minneapolis, MN
Monday, September 22 - Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hotel: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis South, 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Minneapolis, MN 55439; Tel: (952) 835-7800
East Meeting
Atlanta, GA
Thursday, October 16 - Thursday, October 18, 2008
Hotel: Renaissance Concourse Hotel Atlanta, One Hartsfield Centre Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30354; Tel: (404) 209-9999
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ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUR STROKE RECOVERY JOURNEY
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"Between you and every goal that you wish to achieve, there is a series of obstacles, and the bigger the goal, the bigger the obstacles. Your decision to be, have and do something out of the ordinary entails facing difficulties and challenges that are out of the ordinary as well. Sometimes your greatest asset is simply your ability to stay with it longer than anyone else."
~ Brian Tracy
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Remember to Shop Online and Support Stroke Awareness
Please consider making your Amazon purchases by clicking on this Amazon.com link. You can also shop online at some of your favorite stores through iGive.com and up to 26 percent of your purchases will support National Stroke Association. iGive.com has more than 500 participating stores to choose from. For more information visit http://www.stroke.org/ or click www.igive.com/BeStrokeSmart. Happy shopping!
SPECIAL EVENTS
Public
Colorado
March 15 and 17
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Fado's Irish Pub & Restaurant
National Stroke Association will receive donations from this event to increase stroke awareness. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer visit www.stroke.org/EVStPat
May 9
2nd Annual Dance for Dignity
Denver South Marriot-Littleton
Dance & Silent Auction begins at 7pm
For more information, please call 303-754-0942 or visit www.stroke.org/EVDanceforDignity
New York
March 14
First Black Tie Gala
Heath-Rush Fund Benefit for Stroke Survivors at Mt. Sinai Hospital
Villa Barone Manor-Bronx, NY
For more information, call Marie Rush at 845-590-7044 or rushheathmarie@yahoo.com
Oregon
August 2, 2008
The Meadow Park Health and Specialty Care Center
Strokes for Strokes Golf Tournament
Wildwood Golf Course
Texas
March 8
2nd Annual Methodist Hospital System Stride4Stroke 5k Fun Run Walk
A day of activities for the entire family
Rice University
For more information, please call 832-667-5867 or visit www.methodiststride4stroke.com
April 12
2008 Stroke Survivor Conference
A conference for stroke survivors, family, professionals and experts involved in stroke survival, and the general public wanting to become more knowledgeable in the prevention, recognition and FAST response to stroke
Cost - Individuals $25, Couples $45, Professionals $75 (Nursing and Social Work CEU credits offered)
Memorial Hermann/HBU Wellness Center - Houston
Contact: (713) 500-9167 or visit http://son.uth.tmc.edu/coa
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