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Headway Newsletter : AugustMay 2005
Editorial
This newsletter is going to be chock-a-block with references to our forthcoming CRAFT MARKET!! Our main aim is to make sure that there is no-one with any association to Headway who has not heard about our CRAFT MARKET, being held at Headway on SATURDAY 1ST OCTOBER, from 8.30 till 2.00. All of our Fundraising Events are important to us and our success depends so much on the support we receive. By the time you receive your next newsletter, it'll all be over and we sincerely hope that we'll be smiling from ear to ear. So, come on, "CARPE DIEM", and please give us your support by contributing to our stalls - if you are able to; by coming along and snapping up all the bargains - plus making a start on your Christmas shopping, and showing your interest by sharing in the fun and happiness of the day. Rose.
Welcome ………
……to Jane Kennedy, Maurice Lagesse, Frank Meltz, Angie Naidoo, Rob Nicolai and Reegan Swardling and their families. We hope that you will find all the help and support which you need at Headway.
….. and Bye-bye………
…..to Walter, Eva and Natasha Gahler. Natasha joined Headway-Natal in 2003, and we've watched her progress with much interest. She is a wonderful girl, with a wonderful family, and they definitely became an important part of the Headway family. We really are going to miss their presence here, and all the contributions they've made to Headway. We wish them all the happiness and success possible in their new home in Pretoria. (also read the Occupational Therapy report).
General meetings………
As we head towards the end of the year, please mark in your diaries the final 2 General Meetings. On Friday October 7, Dirk Le Roux - who is a distributor for Herbalife - will be giving us a talk called "Say YES to N.O. (Nitrous Oxide)". Last year one of our speakers, June Prentice, gave us such an amusing and entertaining talk that we just couldn't resist asking her to come and visit us again. This year she'll be talking about "My part in a great train robbery". Please note that June will be giving her talk on the 2nd Friday in November, Friday 11th. Both of these talks will start at 11.00 and anyone who would like to come along will be most welcome.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING………
Please take note that our Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 28 September.
N.B. There is an insert with this newsletter which gives full details of the meeting and the Agenda
Carers' Support Group………
This group meets on Mondays from 11.00 to 12.00, and provides an opportunity for carers to share the ups and downs of caring for a spouse or relation who has suffered a stroke or an acquired brain injury. The group is run by our psychologist, Linda Hiles. Support is a very important aspect of Headway, since it is essential to be able to discuss one's changed circumstances with people who have already been through a similar situation. Just by sharing with others who are able to understand from their personal experience, and also receiving input from a psychologist, one is able to gain some perspective, knowledge and insight which can help with the trauma being experienced. Previously carers in the group have formed a strong network of friends who understand the changes of circumstances as a result of a brain injury. As friends, they share practical tips which make the many aspects of caring easier. They have an opportunity to share their heartbreak with people who understand. The person who has had the injury is welcome to join in the Headway activities while the carer/s is/are at the meeting. All are most welcome and we really would like to encourage anyone who is interested to come along. If attending every week would be a problem, it can still be very beneficial to come along occasionally. If anyone would like additional information, Linda can be contacted at Headway on Monday / Tuesday mornings, or Rose on Monday / Wednesday / Friday mornings.
Donations………
Lots of thank you's this month. We received a Rowmaster rowing machine from Lenna Courtyard; a step exerciser from Glenda Kirkiridis - (both of which immediately found a home in our gym!); a record player/radio and HUGE speakers, also lots of ornaments from Peter Kok; a computer keyboard, speakers & mouse from Darina Obertik; also 2 computer monitors, keyboards, beach chair, picture frames, electric grill & miscellaneous items from Alan & Cheri Wicks; a vacuum cleaner from Doff Reeves; a cadac cooker & golf balls from Joy Goodbrand; 3 bags of charcoal from Simon McArthur; a baby car seat from Rose Coetzee; roller skates & cricket shin pads from Martin White; a wash hand basin (to replace one which was broken) from SERVISTAR; toilet rolls & soap from Mike & Lynn Amos; lots of clothing - Jean Thompson, Natalie McKenzie, Peter Perrigo (+ books & a clown tapestry), Aileen Salmon (+ "funny money"), Kate van Rooyen, Westville Rotary, and Sylvia Young (+ craft material); "funny money" from Marie Potgieter; notepads and a decorative glass bowl from Jessica Perritt; a woven dog's bed from Glenda Kirkirides; blue refuse bags from Peter Smith; books, photo album and mini shampoos (which I will probably use for our "Bottle Stall" at the Craft Market) from Bridget Hubble; a bottle of Hair Conditioner from Mercia Coleman and a bottle of red wine from Lionel & Rose McArthur (both have been donated specifically for the "Bottle Stall"). Our financial donations amounted to R8010, this coming from Durban Bay Rotary Anns - R2000; Ubuntu Community Chest - R5000 (2xR2500 - for July and August); Mike & Lynn Amos - R60; Friendship pledges - R350; and C.T. Whiting **(Section 18A) - R600. Our heartfelt thanks to one and all.
** Anyone wishing to donate money to Headway can do so under the Section 18A Act which means that it can be included as a tax deductible amount. We can now issue official receipts for this purpose.
Fundraising……….
This month we managed to raise R2161. This included "Funny Money" - R26; Mondi recycling - R124; Photostats and phone calls - R25; miscellaneous - R227; Jumble Sale - R489 (thanks, Nomah, for continuing to do such a good job) and Shop Sales - R1270 (thanks to Marlene for all her hard work and continued support). We really do value all the hard work which goes into our fundraising and all those who devote their time and energies to helping us. Thank you, we appreciate you all.
Higher Ground Camp………
It is time for Camp once again! In November last year, Higher Ground ran their first, most successful camp for adults with Acquired Brain Injury. Amongst the positive comments was "when will the next camp be…" so, for those who missed the first one, here is your chance to share a really special experience. The Camp dates are 12 - 19 November 2005, and the following article describes exactly what Higher Ground is all about. "Higher Ground is a Christian non-profit organisation. Our programme is designed after an American summer camp and our specialty is working with individuals who have disabilities. Each camp is specifically designed for those attending, paying close attention to staff/camper ratio, safety, a healthy balance between excitement and relaxation and activities designed especially for you! While safety is of utmost importance to us, at Higher Ground we want you to do things you've never dreamed you would or could! Each day follows a programme, with campers having flexibility to choose what they would like to attend, and ample time will be set aside to relax and enjoy sitting in the sun, chatting to friends and just enjoying the outdoors! A sample day looks something like this:
8.30 Breakfast
10.00 Activity Period 1 (Arts & Crafts/Lawn Games)
11.00 Activity Period 2 (Bingo /Music & Drama)
12.30 Lunch
13.00 Rest
14.00 Activity Period 3 (Swimming/Monopoly )
15.00 Activity Period 4 (Swimming / Card Games)
16.00 Cabin Group Time
17.30 Dinner
19.00 Evening Programme (eg Camp Fire, Dance, Night Hike)
Please be assured that you, or your family member, are our TOP priority. Where necessary we will have one counsellor to one camper, and staff are trained in how to assist with daily personal care and anything else you may need help with. All staff and counsellors are trained in First Aid & CPR, and each staff member goes through training before camp even begins! Each & every member of Headway is welcome to join us! The cost for the week is R1400 - (or R1200 for those who book before the 18th of September). This includes food, accommodation and all activities. We don't want anyone to be excluded because of the fees, so if you want to come but have problems with payment, please get hold of us so that we can make a plan. So what are you waiting for? Would you like to meet new friends from around the country, try new adventures, cool off from the summer sun in the pool, relax and have a well deserved break from the usual routine and most of all have tons of fun??
Some of last year's campers had this to say: "It was probably the best week I have
had all year"; "I haven't had so much fun in years"; "I swam for the first time since my stroke"; "Getting to know new friends who have a special place in your heart, & I will always remember my joyous time at camp. You can bet on me coming next camp"; "The carry-over effect of this camp is prolonged and the friendships made will be nurtured and allow us lucky camp attendees to forge ahead in a reinforced existence". If anyone would like fuller details, Emma and Jackie can be contacted at the following: PO Box 410, Westville 3630, Tel: 072 039 0907 email: HigherGroundSA@gmail.com
Occupational Therapy update………(from Debbie)
The most common word you will hear in the OT department is "craft market"! After the latest Hobby X at the expo centre I am back with a vengeance and a lot more creativity. The attendees in the craft groups have been fantastic and Cameron even offered to miss his favourite sewing group to help us, but I'm pleased to say we have a great range of interesting crafts to sell at the market. So DON'T MISS OUT!!!!!
Besides the excitement around the craft market, we have had quite a sad month. We had to say goodbye to Natasha Gahler and her family. They are relocating to Pretoria. Natasha and her family have a very special place in many hearts at Headway and they will DEFINITELY be missed. Other than being a precious, precious family they contributed a lot to Headway. Walter (Oom Wallie to me) cleaned our pool area with a high pressure hose and it is sparkling. Thanks again Oom Wallie. The Gahler family also ran our social club at Headway and I know the Headway crew enjoyed themselves. A last goodbye especially from the OT department to Walter, Eva and Natasha…we will miss you and our doors will always be open to you!
We had our latest social at the Westville Methodist Church, which was run by the young adults there. We all enjoyed a delicious braai and made new friends. The evening focused on relationship building and we are hoping for continued input from the young adults group for future socials. Thanks to Lyall and Jaco for organizing the social. Hopefully this Social Venture will be ongoing, so keep your eyes and ears open for the next Social.
The new programmes are available at the reception. The only important change is that our cognitive group, "Brainteasers", has been moved to Monday mornings from 10:30-11:30. If you have cognitive deficits due to your injury and would like to join us, we'd love to see you.
Annual Craft Market………
SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER @ HEADWAY FROM 8.30 TO 2.00
Come along and share a day of fun, good company and loads of real bargains!
Headway Crafts " Headway Sewing " Clothing " Leather Work " Plants
Beadwork " Puzzles " Wood Craft " Sewing " Quilting " Jewellery
Dolls' Clothes " Sunkist Products " Glass Craft " Tombola
2nd Hand Shop " Bottle Stall " Tea Garden " 'Wors Rolls
Pottery " Art " Ceramic Angels " Cakes " Books
Please give us your support. An enormous amount of work and dedication goes into preparing for our Craft Market. All of us at Headway really enjoy contributing to the success of the whole venture, but without you, the public, we cannot make it the success we hope it will be. You won't be disappointed and you'll be so glad you came!!
See you on Saturday 1st October.
From the Internet………
"Sports Concussion Conference. A violent jar or blow to the head can cause a concussion. The old adage, "shake it off and get back in the game" can have serious consequences to those who ignore the injury. Although not usually life threatening, a concussion can have serious effects, and healing takes time. A concussion will cause at least temporary loss of brain function, and bleeding in the brain, bruising, and swelling can occur. It is important to prevent the condition known as second impact syndrome. This occurs when a person experiences a second head trauma while still recovering from the first injury. What may seem like a minor bump to the head can cause devastating swelling in the brain, which may even be fatal. It is critical to get a doctor's clearance before returning to contact sports. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 300,000 athletes in America sustain concussions each year. Saint Cloud State University has been tracking athletes who have sustained a concussion for the past three years, and neuropsychological testing has shown cognitive changes, especially for those athletes who have sustained more than one concussion.
Concussion in Children: Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury. Do not let the child fall asleep for 5 hours. Sleepiness is a sign of a traumatic brain injury. If it is late at night or regular bedtime, wake the child every ½ hour for 5 hours. If the child is uncontrollably tired or you cannot wake the child, call 1022 immediately. The signs of a brain injury (concussion) can be subtle. You should be alert for symptoms that may appear immediately and others that may not show up for days, weeks, or even months after the injury.
Dial 1022 immediately if the child: * can't stop vomiting * is not speaking clearly, seems confused or doesn't know you * has trouble with vision (seeing double, blurry vision) or has pupils that are different sizes * has a severe headache * has blood or clear fluid coming from the nose or ears * has trouble with balance or walking * has a seizure (convulsions, eyes fluttering, body going stiff, staring into space or a sudden onset of a fixed stare).
Contact your child's physician or your local emergency room if you notice any of these changes following the child's injury: * has changes in sleep patterns * experiences changes in personality, behaviour or mood * has changes in school performance * has changes in attention or concentration * gets upset or frustrated easily * overreacts, cries or laughs too easily."
Ed. There are many leaflets warning on the dangers of Stroke, and giving advice on Stroke Prevention. Apart from advising the use of headgear in contact sports and cycling, there are no such leaflets, to my knowledge, on preventing Brain Injury. Part of our Mission is to educate and try to make people aware of Acquired Brain Injury and its possible causes. Just as QASA says, we also don't want new members!!
Stroke awareness. What do you know?………
Here is a TRUE / FALSE quiz to find out just how much you do or do not know. The questions / statements will be in this newsletter, and you'll be able to check your answers - complete with explanations - in September's newsletter.
1. A stroke is a kind of heart attack? True / False
2. Women account for more than 60% of all stroke deaths? True / False
3. Eating a banana a day can lessen your risk of having a stroke? True / False
4. Stroke always hits without warning? True / False
5. Sudden blurred vision / decreased vision is a warning of a stroke? True / False
6. Data from a study shows that people with high blood pressure are 7 times more likely to have a stroke? True / False
7. More than 50% of all women 55 years or older have high blood pressure? True / False
8. The risk of stroke for a 65 yr old is double the risk for a 55 yr old, simply because he/she is older? True / False
9. Men have a 25% to 30% greater risk of suffering a stroke than women? True / False
10. Stroke kills more women every year than does breast cancer? True / False
How aware do you think you are? Check out your answers next month!
Back page snippets………
" Under "Fundraising" you'll have noticed we raised R124 from all the newspapers etc which have been coming in. We need to continue to meet our target of 30 Ronnie Bags full per month, but we're well on our way to getting our own proper orange "bin". Please keep on bringing your paper waste; it's amazing how it all mounts up - 'scuse the pun!
" Please remember that we're looking for bottles for our "bottle stall." Honey / chutney / perfume / baby food / whisky / nail varnish / bath oil / after shave / wine / food colouring or flavouring / marmite / car wash …. the possibilities are endless. All contributions will be most gratefully received.
" We now have another raffle on the go. Rose Paterson has made a new beautiful ethnic quilt and tickets will be available at our Craft Market.
" We also hope to have our Headway Joke Book on sale at the Craft Market. One attribute which I've found seems to be evident in people whom I've met since joining Headway, and one which seems to be prevalent world-wide, is a sense of humour. In fact, I don't think many of us would survive without it! The importance of humour should never be underestimated. Laughter releases endorphins which are neurotransmitters which have pain-relieving properties and help us to feel good. Hence, our very own joke book.
A sample to end off this newsletter with a smile.
Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused his dentist's Novocain during root canal treatment?
He wanted to transcend dental medication.
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