The girl with the pink leggings and brown cowboy boots pats the tri-colored pony on the neck, sits up straight in the saddle, and with reins confidently in hand, commands “Walk on.” As Majesty responds with a gentle stride, Lizzie smiles. And for Dani Mackin of Prescott, this is what a miracle looks like. Dani is Lizzie’s mom. She describes her 9-year-old’s serious social anxiety as paralyzing. “She wouldn’t talk to people. She would do what we call ‘a possum,’ and just freeze, or run away … [Read more...] about Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
Stroke
Acting Fast with First Signs of Stroke
Just as a heart attack (myocardial infarction) is the blockage of blood and oxygen to the heart, a stroke (or brain attack) affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked by a clot. When this happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so the affected brain cells die. The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke … [Read more...] about Acting Fast with First Signs of Stroke
Preventing Stroke With a Carotid Artery Stent
The carotid arteries in your neck supply the brain with blood. The carotid arteries travel up each side of the neck and branch into smaller vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blood flowing through the carotid arteries (carotid pulses) can be felt on each side of the neck next to the windpipe. Unfortunately, the carotid arteries are a common location for hardening of the artery wall, called atherosclerosis, to occur. If the arteries become clogged, it can result in a stroke. … [Read more...] about Preventing Stroke With a Carotid Artery Stent
