Community News
May 2020
Decreased Stroke Admissions Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Stroke centers across the country have seen a dramatic decrease in acute stroke admissions during the COVID 19 pandemic, suggesting people may be choosing to stay home and NOT seek stroke care because of fears of being exposed to coronavirus. Dr. Sean Savitz, Director of the UTHealth Stroke Institute in Houston, states "If patients feel that it's best for them to stay home and they're in the midst of a stroke, that could lead to far worse consequences." Read the complete story here
Decreased Stroke Admissions Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Stroke centers across the country have seen a dramatic decrease in acute stroke admissions during the COVID 19 pandemic, suggesting people may be choosing to stay home and NOT seek stroke care because of fears of being exposed to coronavirus. Dr. Sean Savitz, Director of the UTHealth Stroke Institute in Houston, states "If patients feel that it's best for them to stay home and they're in the midst of a stroke, that could lead to far worse consequences." Read the complete story here
COPING WITH COVID-19 by Jennifer B. Hughes
Seems to change every day. We might feel strong one day but scared or stressed the next. Daily changes can make us feel anxious because our brain starts trying to control things that feel scary. Grounding is a great way to deal with this because it helps you come back to the present moment by using your five senses. A great grounding tool is “54321” where you start by looking around and naming to yourself 5 things you can SEE, then 4 things you can TOUCH, 3 things you can HEAR, 2 things you can SMELL, and 1 thing you can TASTE. Connecting with your senses can instantly bring you to the present moment, taking you away from stressful thoughts!
Seems to change every day. We might feel strong one day but scared or stressed the next. Daily changes can make us feel anxious because our brain starts trying to control things that feel scary. Grounding is a great way to deal with this because it helps you come back to the present moment by using your five senses. A great grounding tool is “54321” where you start by looking around and naming to yourself 5 things you can SEE, then 4 things you can TOUCH, 3 things you can HEAR, 2 things you can SMELL, and 1 thing you can TASTE. Connecting with your senses can instantly bring you to the present moment, taking you away from stressful thoughts!
April 2020
STROKE SURVIVORS AND COVID-19
The coronavirus is still new and there are many things we don’t know- such as how it may impact heart and brain health. Data suggests people who have a heart condition or had a stroke, may be at higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19. The American Stroke Association is warning stroke survivors, though your risk is not higher than the public for getting COVID-19, if you get infected, you may have a higher chance of complications! So, stay home to limit your risk of contracting the virus. If you must come in contact with people, remember social distancing, keep 6 ft or greater from others. For further information, visit coronavirus.gov.
Other Tips to consider:
The coronavirus is still new and there are many things we don’t know- such as how it may impact heart and brain health. Data suggests people who have a heart condition or had a stroke, may be at higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19. The American Stroke Association is warning stroke survivors, though your risk is not higher than the public for getting COVID-19, if you get infected, you may have a higher chance of complications! So, stay home to limit your risk of contracting the virus. If you must come in contact with people, remember social distancing, keep 6 ft or greater from others. For further information, visit coronavirus.gov.
Other Tips to consider:
- Make a list of contacts – caregivers, healthcare providers, etc. who could help you if needed.
- Ensure you have a supply of current prescriptions & check if your pharmacy provides home delivery.
- If possible, have someone in your family know your prescriptions and be able to refill them.
- Stock up on non-perishable foods
Managing Stress & Anxiety in a 24-hour News Cycle
Jennifer B. Hughes
As we continue to deal with the stress of COVID-19 and other information online and in the media, many people are feeling irritated and anxious. For some, this might affect how they interact with their family and friends and how they feel at work. With all the information bombarding us every single day, sometimes it feels like there is no way to escape it! Fortunately, we can take back some control and choose how much and what types of media we have in our lives.
It is recommended that you decide how much media is healthy for you personally and when you want to watch the news or be on social media. You might think about choosing a specific time of day, say from 4pm- 4:30pm, and ONLY allow yourself to watch the news or be online during that time. This can be tricky at first, and it's so tempting to go to social media during down times in our day, but by making this choice and sticking to it, you are taking back your power, which can help decrease anxiety and irritation.
Managing Stress & Anxiety in a 24-hour News Cycle
Jennifer B. Hughes
As we continue to deal with the stress of COVID-19 and other information online and in the media, many people are feeling irritated and anxious. For some, this might affect how they interact with their family and friends and how they feel at work. With all the information bombarding us every single day, sometimes it feels like there is no way to escape it! Fortunately, we can take back some control and choose how much and what types of media we have in our lives.
It is recommended that you decide how much media is healthy for you personally and when you want to watch the news or be on social media. You might think about choosing a specific time of day, say from 4pm- 4:30pm, and ONLY allow yourself to watch the news or be online during that time. This can be tricky at first, and it's so tempting to go to social media during down times in our day, but by making this choice and sticking to it, you are taking back your power, which can help decrease anxiety and irritation.
Stroke Strides
A UTHealth Community Newsletter Current Issue
Stroke Strides Past Issues
|
July 2020
|
June 2020
|
May 2020
|
April 2020
|
|
Junio 2020
|
May 2020
|
Abril 2020
|
Community Programming
Stroke Survivor & Caregiver Stories |
KHOU 11 UTHealth Stomp out Stroke
|
Ashlyn Bigger's stroke story of survival
|
|
|
Stomp Out Stroke Festival 2017 |
Stomp Out Stroke Festival 2016 |
Stomp Out Stroke Festival 2015 |
Stomp Out Stroke Festival 2015 |
Houston MediaSource Community Focus:
|
Stomp Out Stroke Festival May 5, 2015
|