Hendrick stroke support group presentation to focus on brain health, May 15

Physical exercise is not only good for the body, but it is also beneficial to the brain, research shows. In addition, working out with friends doubles the health benefit to the brain. Social interactions like these are proven to help slow memory decline.

These two activities plus five more will be part of the presentation “Promoting Brain Health” at Hendrick Health’s Surviving and Thriving After Stroke support group meeting Thursday, May 15, from 5 – 6 p.m. in Hendrick Medical Center’s Auxiliary Conference Center at 2000 Pine Street.

The cerebral care program will be presented by speech-language pathologists Cassey Reicheneker and Miranda Tillson from Hendrick Health’s Acute Speech Therapy department. They also will answer questions about speech and swallowing.

Surviving and Thriving After Stroke is a free Hendrick Health community initiative for stroke patients and caregivers. The support group meets every third Thursday of the month except in November and December.

“We have rotating speakers on topics related to stroke prevention and recovery,” said Gail Scruggs, stroke coordinator at Hendrick Health. “The meetings also are a networking opportunity for individuals dealing with some of the same stroke-related issues.”

This month’s support group topic ties into American Stroke Month and National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. Annually, approximately 800,000 Americans have a stroke.

Hendrick Health hospitals in Abilene have received multiple American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for stroke treatment.

For more information about Surviving and Thriving After Stroke, call 325-670-3412.