McLaren Macomb to host stroke support groups

MOUNT CLEMENS — McLaren Macomb has scheduled a series of Stroke Support Groups, inclusive events to aid in the recovery of stroke patients and their families, while also providing information to those living with common stroke risk factors on how they can lower their risk of experiencing the life-threatening attack.

In order to tailor support group topics around what is most beneficial to attendees, the stroke team at McLaren Macomb is hosting an open house from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at McLaren Macomb to gain a specific understanding about what the community would like to learn more about regarding stroke.

McLaren Macomb is located at 1000 Harrington Street in Mount Clemens. The open house and support groups are open to anyone impacted by stroke, including recovering stroke patients, their families, and those living with an increased risk for stroke.

Support Groups are scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., from April through August, with each group featuring a speaker to lead a conversation on an aspect of stroke.

During the open house, attendees can meet the program’s coordinator and learn more about the level of care required to treat a stroke, while also gaining a further understanding of the factors that increase a person’s risk for suffering a stroke attack — and how it can be reduced.

“Stroke is a very complex condition, and, for both those recovering from one or who are living with an elevated risk for one, people can have very individual and personal experiences,” Catherine Carrier, McLaren Macomb’s stroke coordinator, said in a press release. “Our goal is to develop a group to allow everyone to share their collective experiences, questions, and concerns for the future so we can build a knowledge base and greater understanding of the condition.

Common factors increasing one’s risk for stroke include high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking.

“The thought of a stroke can be understandably frightening and confusing,” Carrier wrote. “Bringing people together to share their stories will only help, and we are glad to be in the position to lead this initiative with our experienced neurologists.”

For more information on McLaren Macomb’s Stroke Support Groups, including meeting dates, or to register for the group, visit www.mclaren.org/macombstroke. To learn more about the capabilities of the McLaren Stroke Network, visit www.mclaren.org/stroke.