Stroke Month 2011 in New Brunswick 

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick would like to remind you that June is Stroke month. Recognizing and responding immediately to the warning signs of stroke by calling 9-1-1 or your local emergency number can significantly improve survival and recovery. The warning signs of a stroke are weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems, headache and dizziness.

Remember that stroke is a medical emergency and it is important to recognize and respond immediately to these warning signs.

Click here to watch the Hands Warning Signs commercial!

  SUPPORT

Looking for a stroke support group in Fredericton? Well the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, Stroke Recovery Canada, and the Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation Program created in the spring of 2008 a place for people to congregate who are looking for support, looking for answers to questions and who want help on their road to recovery. 

The Zone 3 Healthy Aging and Rehabilitation Program within Horizon Health Network has continued to support the program throughout the past 3 years, helping many who come through the door on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 2:30 pm at the Veteran’s Health Unit on Prospect Street in Fredericton. Numerous activities have been offered to the group including the Heart and Stroke Living with Stroke Program, tai chi classes, and presentations by a variety of guest speakers.  

The stroke support group currently has 7 stroke survivors and 2 family members who attend on a regular basis with several other members attending occasionally. Facilitating this group and maintaining its function is Lisa Dickinson, the Nurse Manager from 3NE/4E at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. She has lead the charge by helping to promote this group in many ways such as recently setting up a display at a Stroke Conference in Fredericton, on April 29^th, in an effort to get the word out. A beautiful painting created by one of its members, Faye, was given away at the conference as a door prize. Faye had a stroke which initially left her unable to walk, talk or care for herself. She took up painting during her rehabilitation and her work certainly highlighted how rehabilitation and support can move mountains. Faye has now gained enough function to drive her car and to care for herself with only a small amount of help.

Some of the other group members include Ross and John. Ross had a stroke in 2006 and initially could not walk, dress or care for himself. He now walks with a cane and can drive his car. His wife, Jacquie, became his primary caregiver and wished that she would have had someone to tell her what to expect after her husband had his stroke. John had a stroke in 2002 and could not speak or walk. He has regained his ability to walk with a cane. His speech has been limited but he is able to make his point known and often looks to his wife, Iva, to fill in the blanks. His smile and expression “why not?” tell it all. This couple takes each day at a time and thank God for every day they have together.     

Members of the group come together to support and learn from each other. They are also advocates on spreading the word about stroke prevention. Their future plans include developing a stroke visitor program for new stroke survivors and their families.  

If you or someone you know would like more information on the Fredericton Stroke Support Group please contact Lisa Dickinson at 447-4464 or lisa.dickinson@horizonnb.ca for further information.

Faye presents her painting to the draw winner at the Stroke Clinical Day: Stroke Care Across the Continuum conference.