A promising new therapy is helping stroke survivors regain lost motor skills by using a micro-transponder to stimulate the brain.

Up to one million people suffer a stroke each year, a number experts say could soar to 200 million by 2050. This innovative approach offers hope to those affected by stroke-related disabilities.

The therapy involves implanting a micro-transponder traditionally used for epilepsy patients into stroke survivors. This device stimulates the Vagus nerve, which carries signals to the brain to rewire parts associated with motor functions. During therapy sessions, when a patient performs an exercise correctly, it signals the brain to remember that movement, aiding in the recovery of motor skills.

The damage from a stroke can cause patients to lose their ability to perform everyday tasks such as picking up a cup, using their phone, or playing with their grandchildren.

While rehabilitation helps, this new approach is giving stroke survivors more mobility in their arms and hands.

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Back-to-school season is here, and while parents are busy grabbing supplies and organizing routines, health experts say it’s also the perfect time to focus on sleep and nutrition.

Amanda Pantone, a registered dietitian with Community Health Network, joined News 8 Daybreak to share ways families can set their kids up for success both in the classroom and at home.

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Mike Hamm is a 87-year-old veteran with dementia.

He stayed indoors in the cool air conditioning while outside temperature ticked to 91 degrees on Thursday.

He and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 59 years. They’re helping each other, so they don’t overheat.

Mike usually sits in his La-Z-Boy and uses a walker to get around. There’s a small license plate on his walker that reads “Too cool 4 u.”

About the weather, he said, “It’s been like this for a long time in the 90s and it’s supposed to get to the 100s pretty soon, and I don’t think I’ll go out much.”

Mike didn’t seem to notice the increase in temperature outside but appreciated helping hands, including his wife. “My wife, too, she makes me drink a lot of ice water.”

The veteran spends most of his days inside watching TV and reading the newspaper.

Sharon said, “He rarely goes out, but he insists on doing that one thing — go out and get the mail — because he wants to do everything he’s used to.”

Sharon goes out of their home more often, and she said the heat makes it hard. “It’s harder to breathe. I do know the older one gets, your body starts conking in different types of places. Besides the breathing, you get tired of walking.”

Dr. Chris Ross, an emergency room physician from Community Health Network, said Thursday that older people are prone to heat stress because their bodies have a harder time adjusting to sudden temperatures.

Ross said heat exhaustion can be fatal if not treated promptly. He said, “If you’re confused, vomiting, sweating profusely and then not sweating anymore, those are the reasons to look for help.”

Ross had this advice for caretakers: “Take special care to make sure that the people you’re caring for have plenty of water access, to bathrooms. If they have issues like dementia and begin to wander, to make sure the doors are locked so they don’t get outside and get stuck outside because that’s when they could really get into trouble.”

Mike and Sharon have help, Senior Helpers, a home care service that helps them manage their well-being in the heat. Marta Guinn, director of operations, said, “Any clients with dementia, their short-term memory is gone, so we just suggest — we don’t ever make a client do anything — we just suggest the same thing over and over again. ‘Mr. Hamm, would you like some water?’ ‘Mr. Hamm, we haven’t had a drink. How about I’m going to get a drink from my water, would you like to take a drink out of yours?’ Lots of reminding.”

Guinn added that as people get older, their bodies don’t self-regulate as well as in the past, and some people may not realized they’re overheating.

Senior Helpers also recommends checking in with older parents, grandparents, neighbors or friends to make sure they have what they need during the heat wave.

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