Many of you will recognize the name Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. It seems she is everywhere at the moment. NPR radio interviews, three hours of discussion on the Oprah Show, best-selling author, the subject of articles in all the major magazines. Now comes the news that she is not only everywhere, but is coming here to Northern Arizona. In brief, the Sedona Community Center has been collaborating with other local entities to bring this charismatic speaker to the Verde. And it looks like she'll be heading our way as early as this autumn. Dr. Taylor was a 37-year-old Harvard-trained and published brain scientist when a blood vessel exploded in her brain. Through the eyes of a curious neuroanatomist, she watched her mind completely deteriorate whereby she could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. Dr. Taylor has since completely recovered her mind, brain and body. And written a inspiring tome in the process. In My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey, Taylor shares with us her recommendations for recovery and the insight she gained into the unique functions of the right and left halves of her brain. Based upon her academic training and personal experience, Taylor helps others not only rebuild their brains from trauma, but helps those of us with normal brains better understand how we can 'tend the garden of our minds' to maximize our quality of life. As director of the Sedona Community Center, which is the local provider of Meals on Wheels, I have occasion to have regular conversations with local health care providers. These experts remind me that many stroke victims may have the effects of their stroke virtually reversed if it is quickly recognized, diagnosed and treated within three hours of its onset. Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer unnecessary brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. It is suggested that a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: 1. Ask the individual to smile. If the individual has trouble with any one of these tasks, the suggestion is that 9-1-1 be called immediately. After discovering that a group of non-medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn and utilize these three questions. The doctors presented their conclusions at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting two years ago. Their determination was that widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. Be a good neighbor and an alert friend. Recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Know the questions to ask a potential victim. Be prepared to act. SCC's social services include home-delivered Meals on Wheels delivered by a devoted fleet of volunteer drivers. In addition to food, these folks deliver compassion and respect. Our Community Lunch is served at the center Monday through Friday at noon. This program is made possible by our generous kitchen staff, our civic-minded Restaurant Partners and is served by volunteers. Our Transportation program gives senior adults "door-to-door" service to the store, bank and doctor Monday through Friday between 9 and 2. Our professional drivers are the most kind and caring in the business. Our Telecare program provides daily telephone calls to individuals in need of a wellness check seven days a week. This vital service is available free-of-charge to all Sedona-area residents and is provided by concerned volunteers. For more information, to volunteer or to make reservations for our classes, events or social services, call 282-2834. We are located at the corner of Harmony Drive and Melody Lane in West Sedona.
Lunch Menu: Monday: Chicken Caesar salad, 3 bean salad, veggie sticks,
whole grain
garlic roll, fruit pie Thursday: Beef stew, carrot & raisin salad, peas & onions, rice, whole grain roll, applesauce Friday: Crab cakes, potato salad, green beans, whole grain roll, peaches |
