�Imagine an event that, in less than a minute, would forever change your life and the lives of those closest to you.��"Stroke" is sometimes called a brain attack.��It's the third leading cause of death in Utah, behind heart disease and cancer.��And�anyone�- at�any�age -- can suffer an unexpected stroke.��The road to recovery can often mean weeks, months, sometimes years of relearning and redefining how to live.��Caregivers, who are often family and friends, also feel the jolting effects of a stroke -- unprepared for the immense roles they're about to undertake.�On Monday, August 20, at 9 p.m., join Jenny Brundin, news director for KUER Public Radio, as she hosts�Stroke and Perspectives on Care Giving,�a KUED-Channel 7�Health Matters program looking at the clinical and human face of stroke, as well as exploring support options and resources available to stroke victims and caregivers.��The program features intimate stories of stroke victims and caregivers - their struggles and challenges, and others who are deeply familiar with the life-changing effects of a stroke.�The program points out that the role of caregivers is emotionally, physically and financially demanding.��Caregivers frequently suffer from depression and illness.��Often members of the "sandwich generation," they find themselves challenged with balancing care giving with other responsibilities, including full-time jobs and caring for children.�Caregivers can feel guilty, frustrated, and angry from time to time.�"Care giving is one of the most challenging and rewarding situations a family can face.��As a society, we�must�support caregivers.��They save the nation more than $3 billion annually in health care expenses.��It makes sense to support caregivers�-�both from an economic�and a social�perspective," said�Sonnie Yudell, Utah Caregiver Support Program Manager.�Studies show more than half of caregivers are women.��Receivers consist of half women and half men.�The average time spent care giving is at least 20 hours per week, providing daily needs, shopping, social and emotional support for the stroke victim.�Brundin moderates a panel consisting of Dr. David Renner, Department of Neurology, University of Utah Hospital, David Turner, Program Manager for Salt Lake County Aging Services, Heather Hayes, Physical Therapist, Sonnie Yudell, Utah Caregiver Support Program Manager, and caregivers Joanne Dixon and Jeffrey Goodall.�Stroke and Perspectives on Care Giving�airs on KUED-Channel 7�Monday, August 20, at 9 p.m. and repeats Tuesday, August 21 at midnight.�
Stroke and Perspectives on Care Giving is a feature of KUED's Health Matters initiative, funded in part by Speaking of Women's Health and the Utah Department of Health���
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Family members often become care givers of stroke victims. Download |
A blockage in the brain (shown as the pink dot in the lower half of the picture) is sometimes referred to as a "brain attack." Download |
Gordon Dixon works with a physical therapist after suffreing a stroke at age 40. Download |
A husband cares for his wife after she had a stroke. Download |
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Care giver walks with stroke survivor. Download |
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