Free talks for stroke patients in Mayo

STROKE patients in Mayo are being encouraged to join a series of free talks designed to support their recovery.

Three webinars organised by the national stroke and heart charity, the Irish Heart Foundation, will focus on fatigue, trauma and personal experience.

The first of the online talks will take place on World Stroke Day on Tuesday (October 29) at 12 p.m., where stroke survivor Dermot Berry will share his personal journey on recovery following a spinal stroke in June 2018.

After paralysis Dermot regained his ability to walk and is now a member of the Irish wheelchair basketball team.

On Wednesday (October 30), Gary Broderick, from the Learning Curve Institute, will delve into the practical aspects of implementing Trauma Informed Practice and its significance on recovery.

Gary is CEO of SAOL Project and is a trainer in motivational interviewing. He teaches on the masters in social work courses in TCD, UCD and Maynooth on addiction and trauma informed practice

Ciara Breen is an occupational therapist manager in Galway University Hospital and the National HSCP lead for the Clinical Programme for Stroke. She will present this Thursday (October 31) on coping with fatigue from a heart condition or stroke.

This is aimed at people who are affected by fatigue after a stroke, cardiac arrest, or when living with a heart condition.

Ciara will reveal how to recognise heart or stroke-related fatigue and share practical tips and strategies to help manage this.

The webinars will be of interest to all patient supports services available through the Irish Heart Foundation, such as the Stroke Connect Service for newly discharged stroke patients, in-person stroke support meetings across the country, a Young Stroke Support Network, music and art therapy, weekly online exercise sessions and a Life After Stroke private Facebook group.

This World Stroke Day, the Irish Heart Foundation is highlighting the benefits of physical activity for stroke.

“Being active is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially in the aftermath of a stroke,” said Helen Gaynor, Irish Heart Foundation’s Head of Community Support Services.

“Research shows positive outcomes for stroke survivors who exercise, which include improved physical function, such as mobility, walking and balance, and improved mental function.

“Repetition is key and helps with you adapt to everyday living - learning fine and gross motor skills when exercising can help in daily chores, such as knowing which arm to use for picking up groceries in the shop.”

The Irish Heart Foundation offers exercise through a number of support services.

Webinar admission is free but advanced booking is advised at https://irishheart.ie/support-for-you/patient-support-events/.

To learn more about Irish Heart Foundation support services, visit https://irishheart.ie.