Pasadena Saving Strokes Showcases Golf as an Aid in Stroke Recovery

A stroke can turn an individual’s life upside down and, for many, recovery can be a lifelong process. Fortunately, there is a life-changing event that provides stroke survivors with a renewed sense of energy and physical capability.

On Friday, April 29, the American Stroke Association and longtime sponsor Huntington Hospital will bring together an intimate group of local stroke survivors, in various stages of recovery, to Brookside Golf Course in Pasadena for a day of golf therapy.

At the event, stroke survivors will learn techniques for overcoming common stroke disabilities and increasing coordination and strength. They will take part in activities designed to improve their golfing skills, including driving, chipping and putting. Special equipment, such as adaptive carts and golf clubs will be available to participants with balance or coordination issues.

Saving Strokes starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. The event is free and open to stroke survivors and caregivers. Lunch will be provided.

Stroke is the leading cause of severe, long-term disability and No. 5 killer in the U.S. About 795,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent stroke this year – or one person every 40 seconds.

Saving Strokes was developed by the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, based on a 1999 University of Chicago study which showed that techniques important in golf – focus, dexterity and balance – can also improve strength and flexibility for stroke survivors.

For information about Pasadena Saving Strokes, visit www.savingstrokes.com or contact Carrie Vines at Carrie.Vines@heart.org or (916) 446-6505.

About the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or call the AHA Los Angeles Division at (213) 291-7000. Follow us on Facebook (@AHAGreaterLA), Twitter (@AmHeartLA) and Instagram (@americanheart_LA).

About Huntington Hospital

Huntington Hospital, www.huntingtonhospital.com, is a 625-bed not-for-profit hospital in Pasadena. We are named among the top hospitals in California and nationally ranked in two specialties by U.S. News and World Report. Learn more about us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/huntingtonmemorialhospital and on Twitter at @huntingtonnews.