Stroke is the third leading cause of death in America and a leading cause of adult disability, according to the National Stroke Association. In an effort to provide education and assistance to stroke victims and their families, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is offering a monthly stroke support group. Four sessions are scheduled for this fall with the first on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the medical center’s Center for Rehabilitation beside the main hospital.

The stroke support group goal is to provide stroke survivors, their families and caregivers education, resources and an opportunity to support each other as they strive to rebuild their lives. Attendees, while meeting other survivors who are likely experiencing similar challenges, will find this to be a structured way to share with and support each other as well as their caregivers and family members. Education offered by physicians, therapists, dietitians, nurses, stroke survivors and caregivers, will focus on Making the Most Out of Life and Coping with Stroke as well as emphasize good health, independence and well-being. Other future topics include community resources, healthy nutrition during holidays, community mobility and reintegration, coping and stress management, healing touch, communication after a stroke, and caregiving from the patient and the caregiver perspectives.

The stroke support group is scheduled to meet on Tuesdays, Nov. 10; Oct. 13, and Dec. 8.

To learn more, please contact Heather Bissell, LRT/CTRS, at 828/326-3283.

Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, twice recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was named as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers as well as twice awarded as a “Distinguished Hospital for An Outstanding InPatient Experience” by J.D. Power and Associates.