On par for recovery On par for recovery (June 10, 2005)

Golf helps stroke survivors heal
by Cathy Jetter

Sponsor tents fluttered in the breeze, golf professionals lined the driving range and volunteers ensured that everything moved along as it should. At first glance, it appeared to be just another weekend event at the Pleasanton Golf Center. But the wheelchairs and walkers that transported participants from putting greens to the driving range aren't considered a typical part of the golfing scene, though the American Stroke Association is working to change that.

ASA developed the aptly named "Saving Strokes" program which takes place at partnering golf courses across the nation. The Pleasanton based non-profit Partners Fore Golf organized Pleasanton's first "Saving Strokes."

"When the Saving Strokes program was brought to our attention, we immediately began working to bring an event to Pleasanton," said Laura Hadley, executive director of Partners Fore Golf. "Partners Fore Golf was founded on the belief that golf is far more than a game. We believe that golf can be a vehicle for bringing value and values to the lives of those who play. Saving Strokes is a perfect example of that idea." What a stroke is, how golf helps

Strokes affect the lives of nearly 700,000 people each year. Victims can be left physically debilitated, often requiring months or years of physical therapy to regain control of the most basic motor functions. Depression and anger are common as survivors often feel less than whole and are unable to participate in activities they once took for granted.

"Stroke survivors in all stages of recovery can benefit from exposure to the game of golf," explained Shawn Casey, executive director of ASA, which is a division of the American Heart Association. "Flexibility, strength and balance can all be improved through the simplest elements of golf. And as important as physical recovery is, the mental benefits of getting out to the golf course and engaging in a social activity can be just as healing."

Hadley and Casey worked closely as they planned for Pleasanton's first Saving Strokes event. "We are fortunate to live in a community where so many businesses and individuals are willing to support causes like this," said Hadley. " The golf course, golf professionals, lunch and all the extras were donated by local businesses."

Many of those "extras" were for the enjoyment of the caretakers who spend much of their time maintaining the lives and needs of their loved ones.

"Saving Strokes tries to offer something special for the people whose lives are changed when someone they love has a stroke," Hadley continued. "At this event we offered massages, makeovers and lunch to caregivers as they waited for the participants." Through patients' eyes

Jack Bodatch, a stroke survivor, came to the Pleasanton Saving Strokes event at the recommendation of an assistant at his rehabilitation hospital in Berkeley.

"She knew I played golf before I had the stroke two years ago," he said. "I didn't know what to expect, but I am glad I came. I am very pleased with what is going on here."

Before Bodatch was introduced to his personal golf pro, nurses took his blood pressure and physical therapists evaluated his physical condition. Then he and Roger Whincup, a teaching professional for the Pleasanton Golf Center, headed out to the driving range. "I used to be a right hander," Bodatch said. "Now my left is stronger." Before long Whincup had his student chipping, Bodatch's walker supporting him as he swung. "Pretty good," Whincup said watching the ball travel. "Now hit through the ball as you swing."

Further down the driving range, Whincup's fellow professional Dana Dormann offered suggestions as Sandy Haggerty hit balls. Observers might be surprised to learn that sixteen years ago, at the age of 40, Haggerty suffered a stroke that left her incapacitated for months. "I came today because I am lucky to have recovered as well as I have, yet all these years later, I still have problems with my balance and peripheral vision. This is good for me, getting back on the golf course." getting educated

Posters listing the signs of stroke were scattered across the golf facility, an important reminder of what the day was all about. Education is a key component of all Saving Strokes events.

"It is not unusual for people to be unaware that they are having a stroke," explained Casey. "A stroke is happening to the brain, a type of 'brain attack' that makes it hard to think straight. There are treatments that can help reduce the long-term effects of a stroke, but they must be started soon after the signs of a stroke are evident. Recognizing those signs is vital to recovery."

Recovery from a stroke is a long and often arduous process. Events like Saving Strokes help stroke "victors" remember that life can be good, even when it is not what was expected.

"A stroke takes away a lot of your spirit and your belief in yourself," Haggerty said. "You have to get out again, do things, to continue that journey to help yourself get it back."

Stroke Warning Signs

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Source: The American Stroke Association For information on Partners Fore Golf

contact Laura Hadley, l.a.hadley@comcast.net

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