Signs of a Stroke

A New Day

2010-06-21T13:26:00.002-03:00

Welcome back

If you are a new visitor or you are someone who has been following this blog for a while, this post is for you...

It is time to turn the page on stroke awareness, education and recovery. I will be eight years post stroke on August 10th of this year 2010. It has been my privilege over the past year and a half to be part of the stroke caregiver workshops and support meetings here on Prince Edward Island. During the past three months I have enjoyed the opportunity to contribute on one of the provincial sub committees working to put in place the final pieces of the Prince Edward Island Stroke Strategy. Specifically concerning awareness and education as it applies to both primary and secondary stroke on P.E.I.

Additionally, I have also been given the opportunity to contribute at the national level by joining with the Canadian Stroke Network's Canadian Stroke Strategy group as they develop a national strategy to reintegrate stroke survivors back into their communities.

I feel that as I approach my eighth anniversary of being a stroke survivor I have achieved a new level in my recovery. To mark this sense of accomplishment I have created a new blog from which I will be posting in future. The blog is simply named "Prince Edward Island Stroke Recovery" and an explanation of direction and goals is contained in the welcome post. You can click here to come over and read the post, then sign up to follow if you wish.

Thank you so much for being a reader/follower of this "Signs Of A Stroke" blog over the past five years and I hope that we will enjoy a continued relationship with your following my new blog.

Smiles :o)

Gary

p.s. You can also Google my new blog by searching for the term "Prince Edward Island Stroke Recovery"

5 Warning Signs Of Stroke

2010-05-29T16:07:00.005-03:00

Do you know the 5 warning signs of stroke that could save a life, even your own?

Here they are:

5 warning signs of stroke

1. Visual problems like a sudden change in vision or sudden double vision.

2. Numbness of the face, weak arms or legs, weakness on one side of the body.

3. Disorientation, problems with speech (e.g., slurred speech), and/or trouble understanding others.

4. Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

5. Painful headache that comes on suddenly and has no known cause.

If you or anyone else that you are near shows any of these 5 warning signs of stroke CALL 911 right away.

Time is extremely important when dealing with stroke so don't delay. A life could be at risk!

To learn more about stroke, stroke recovery and the 5 warning signs of stroke read my entire blog.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Pack a Pasta Dish With Vegies Times Five

2010-04-12T17:10:00.000-03:00

Hi

If you are thinking of eating less meat and more vegies than this article may be just what the doctor ordered...

"Add some vibrant colors to your pasta recipes! Mixing in fresh vegetables to the dishes not only makes them more visually appealing, but adds a lot of healthy nutrients. We have 5 veggie-packed pasta dishes here for you to try."

Click here to learn more:

Garrett's Story

2010-04-12T13:30:00.000-03:00

Hi

Garrett Mendez is a young stroke survivor from New Jersey. He has just launched his personal web page to increase awareness and educate about stroke.

Garrett wrote:

"I am twenty three years old and a stroke survivor. I had no risk factors, no warning signs. On November 26, 2005, my life changed in the blink of an eye. Four years ago, I was a freshman at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass. I had a pretty typical life. I was having a great time in college, I was playing hockey on a Junior Hockey team. Sports had always been an important part of my life. I learned to skate soon after I learned to walk and had played hockey since I was four."

Click here to read more:

Garrett has lots of videos and other valuable info to help stroke survivors and their families deal with recovering from experiencing stroke. Be sure to make good use of ALL the resource material that Garrett has posted and continues to post as he recovers his own life from stroke.

Click here to learn more:

Smiles :o)

Gary

Fruits and Vegies in your diet can be an adventure...

2010-04-06T21:05:00.001-03:00

Sometimes we can get too set in our ways or are intimidated to try new things, especially when it comes to food. Take a look around your grocery store, visit an ethnic food shop, health-food outlet or stroll through your local farmers’ market for new vegetables, fruit and other foods you’ve never tried before. You can find recipes for almost anything from artichokes to tofu by searching the web, going to libraries or buying new cookbooks.

from an article by: Alyssa Rolnick, RD

Learn more here...

Goal Setting: How to Unleash Your Reticular Activating System

2010-01-09T14:05:00.000-04:00

Goal Setting: How to Unleash Your Reticular Activating System: "

Your Reticular Activating System acts as a heat seeking missile which allows your subconscious mind to work on your goal whether you realize it or not.

Write your Goals on paper bridges the gap between your imagination and the real world. As you create and advance your plan it takes your ideas from the intangible to the tangible.

We train in creating plans for achieving your Goals inside Goal University

Garrett's Video

2010-01-05T03:25:00.002-04:00

Jim Walkaide 1-Dec17.avi

2010-01-05T03:18:00.000-04:00

Jim Walkaide 1-Dec17.avi: "

	Jim Walkaide 1-Dec17.avi Jim is walking from the Kitchen into the Family Room about 3 weeks after receiving his Walk Aide device. He's gone from only being able to go about 5' by himself without assistive devices to now going about 28 feet (on average), sits for a minute and then goes 25-28 feet again -- during a physical therapy session. His speed has increased impressively as well. We can't really ask for more!	From: icebean87 Views: 180 0 ratings
	Time: 02:15	More in People & Blogs

Reminder: Next Stroke Caregivers support meeting Monday Feb 1st 1:30 p.m. Atlantic Superstore (upstairs) Charlottetown, P.E.I.

2010-01-05T03:09:00.000-04:00

Reminder: Next Stroke Caregivers support meeting Monday Feb 1st 1:30 p.m. Atlantic Superstore (upstairs) Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Bipolar Disorder: Nutrition As Medicine

2009-11-18T23:55:00.000-04:00

Bipolar Disorder: Nutrition As Medicine: "Treating bipolar disorder with prescription medications may be a necessary first step to get the symptoms of this disease under control. However, the drugs used for this health problem are indeed...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Stroke Recovery Goals

2009-11-14T00:12:00.002-04:00

Hi

I call it pushing the envelope...gently. lol

I am posting a video from Jill the GoalGuru to help you understand why it is so important to set goals in stroke recovery. Physical goals, mental goals and benchmark goals, all kinds of goals.

Then as Jill says, "go for it!"

You see Jill overcame her fear and climbed the tower. (to the top) At the end of the video says that she climbed it three more times that day.

Jill said, after reaching her goal of climbing the tower then she felt like she wanted to climb something higher and bigger.

This metaphor can be applied to stroke recovery Our goal may not be as lofty at first but the same principals apply.

Set your ~~stroke recovery~~ goals and climb your ~~stroke recovery~~ tower. then do it again and again and again. Keep pushing the envelope gently!

Make stroke recovery your daily routine. (watch the video as many times as you need to...thanks Jill)

My name is Gary and I am a seven year stroke survivor.

Visit my web site

Join my net friends

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Stroke Prevention

2009-11-09T03:13:00.004-04:00

Hi and welcome back

Here is some very valuable information on "Stroke Prevention" found on the P.E.I. Heart &Stroke Foundation website.

This is information that everyone should be familiar with and it could very well save your life or the life of someone you love.

Stroke prevention

You can't control your family history, age, gender or ethnicity. But luckily, you can do something about other factors that could increase your risk of having a stroke such as obesity, diet, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die. If the blood supply is not restored, the affected part of the brain dies, causing disability and death.
Help prevent a stroke by learning more about the risk factors you can do something about and those you can't control.

Risk issues you can do something about

Risk factors you can't control

What is your risk?

Are you at risk? Take the Heart&Stroke Risk Assessment^TM and get a personalized risk profile and a customized action plan for healthy living that includes tips, tools, recipes and much more to help you reduce your risk.
For more information on stroke prevention, please read our brochure Taking control: Lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke.

I am a seven year stroke survivor.

Read my story

Join my Net Friends

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Stroke -- Heed the warning signs (by June Cheong)

2009-11-06T17:01:00.000-04:00

Stroke -- Heed the warning signs (by June Cheong): "

By June Cheong (in Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 5 November 2009)

A stroke is a medical emergency and early detection and treatment will improve the chances of recovery

Not all stroke survivors end up severely disabled. Many have recovered well when medical attention is timely and treatment is sustained.

Anastasia Heng, 13, can attest to this. The Secondary 2 student suffered a stroke last December and lost the ability to perform daily activities like dressing herself as well as her language skills.
However, in less than a year, she has bounced back and can walk unaided and speak in full sentences again.

She said: 'I couldn't speak fluently at first.

'I found it difficult to understand what the teachers were saying when I went back to school in March. I had remedial lessons to help me adjust to school work.' (See 13-year-old stroke victim.)
A stroke is nevertheless a serious condition, being the fourth leading cause of death here and striking about 4 per cent of adults aged 50 years and above.

It is also the biggest cause of long-term disability in Singapore.

The risk of getting a stroke doubles for each decade of life after the age of 55. The risk is also greater if one's parent, grandparent or sibling has had a stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood fails to reach one or more parts of the brain, causing cells in the affected areas to die.

This in turn results in disability in that part of the body controlled by the affected part of the brain. Functions like motor skills, sensation, balance, and speech and language are susceptible.

Two kinds of strokes

There are ischemic as well as haemorrhagic strokes.

The former, accounting for 75 per cent of strokes here, is when arteries are blocked by blood clots or the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits.

The latter occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leaking blood into the brain.
Blood circulation is vital for brain function because it supplies the organ with oxygen. Brain tissue stops functioning if deprived of oxygen for longer than 60 to 90 seconds.

'If the lack of oxygen persists, the brain cells suffer irreversible injury, leading to death of the brain tissue,' said clinical Associate Professor Ong Hian Tat, a senior consultant of paediatric neurology at University Children's Medical Institute in National University Hospital.

But not all the cells in the affected part of the brain will die because some blood will still reach it through secondary channels.

This means part of the affected brain tissue may only be injured and can potentially recover.
But time is of the essence.

Dr Rajinder Singh, a consultant neurologist at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), said the warning signs of a stroke include sudden onset of weakness or numbness, dizziness and having difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.

Associate Professor Lee Kim En, a senior consultant and head of the department of neurology at NNI, said that while strokes are more common in men, more than half of the total stroke deaths occur in women.

He added that women above the age of 30 who smoked or took high-oestrogen oral contraceptives are 22 times more at risk of getting a stroke than the average person.
Pregnant women also have a slightly increased risk of stroke.

Other risk factors include being overweight, a diet high in salt and saturated fat, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and stress.

A study published online last month by the British Medical Journal found that people who suffer from severe migraines are twice as likely to have a stroke.

The commonest causes of stroke in adults are atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries), hypertension and complications of diabetes mellitus.

Causes of stroke in children

Most childhood strokes are caused by impaired blood flow in the arteries as a result of thrombosis or embolism. These are frequently associated with other conditions, many of which are genetic.

Prof Ong said that causes of stroke in children include vascular malformation (abnormal blood vessels in the brain), blood disorders, auto-immune disorders, infections within the brain like meningitis and encephalitis and trauma.

But he added that strokes in children are relatively uncommon.

Treatment for strokes include medication or surgery and rehabilitation.
In an ischemic stroke, drugs like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) - which dissolve blood clots - may be given.

Prof Lee said: 'tPA dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. It is effective only if given promptly. For maximum benefit, the therapy must start within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

'It is thus critical that medical professionals and the public recognise stroke as a medical emergency and respond immediately.'

In a haemorrhagic stroke, surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding in the brain.
After a stroke patient's condition has stabilised, rehabilitation is paramount to his recovery.

Prof Ong said that neuronal reconnections in the brain occur with recovery. This means that the physical disability a patient suffers often improves because of the reconnections. He added that regular physiotherapy prevents the immobile limbs from becoming too stiff, helping a patient regain their function.

Asked if a stroke patient can regain full function, Ms Victoria Lai, a speech therapist at the department of rehabilitation medicine at National University Hospital, said: 'The majority of patients do not regain full function but this does not mean that they cannot learn to compensate for impairments or use strategies to overcome difficulties that remain.

'Many can return to a good quality of life and live successfully.'

Prof Ong added that rehabilitation is essential but it takes time.

Prevention tips include refraining from smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, sticking to a diet low in fat, salt and sugar and high in fibre, and going for regular check-ups.

Prof Lee reiterated the need to get medical help should signs of a stroke appear. He said: 'Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts.'

AOL News Article, October 13, 2009

2009-11-06T02:44:00.000-04:00

AOL News Article, October 13, 2009: "

“Wheelchair Recycler” Gives Back To Freedom: AOL News, October 13, 2009

You Can Be A Stroke Hero...Learn To ACT FAST!

2009-11-05T10:42:00.002-04:00

Hi

Learn to ACT FAST, so you will know what to do when someone with you suffers a stroke.

This is not rocket science. Anyone (yes, even you) can be a STROKE HERO!

Check out the FAST catalogue ( I do not receive any money if you use this link)

My name is Gary and I am a stroke survivor.

Read my story

Be one of my Net Friends

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Is It a Stroke?

2009-11-03T23:36:00.000-04:00

Is It a Stroke?: "When it comes to your health, strokes are serious business. Even if the symptoms of a stroke are minor, they can turn serious and cause significant long-term problems or even death. That’s why it’s...

[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

H1N1 Flu Vaccine

2009-10-17T23:28:00.000-03:00

H1N1 Flu Vaccine: "This is a brief public service announcement from SCIENCEPODCASTERS.ORG. Vincent Rancaniello, PhD from This Week in Virology and Marc Pelletier, PhD from This Week in Biotech talk about the new H1N1 Infuenza vaccine.

It is safe and effective. I will get it myself and recommend it to all my patients.

Please share this announcement with others.

To learn more go to http://flu.gov or http://cdc.gov/h1n1.
"

Denial is a River in Egypt

2009-10-15T09:18:00.000-03:00

Denial is a River in Egypt: "I saw that on a sign about 6 months ago when I went to a rehab facility to see a patient. I was curious as to what the significance was, so I asked one of the therapists. He said it's a favorite saying in group therapy when one group member is in denial and starts making excuses for his or her drug or alcohol issues -- justifying behaviors. The group will shout 'Denial is a river in Egypt'. No denial allowed!

For some reason through out the week following that visit the sign kept haunti..."

Simple Method to Prevent a Stroke

2009-10-13T23:43:00.000-03:00

Simple Method to Prevent a Stroke: "

A stroke may seem like something that only happens to other people — and the thinking is usually that those people are older, in ill health, and also have heart disease. But in reality, stroke can affect many different kinds of people and have a range of effects on their health, life, and physical and mental abilities.

Stroke: The 411

Simply put, a stroke is what happens when blood can’t reach the brain. This can happen for two main reasons: a blood clot or other blockage in an artery keeps blood from reaching the brain, causing an stroke; or a blood vessel bursts, causing a hemorrhagic stroke. (Another name that you may hear for stroke is cerebrovascular accident, or CVA.) When blood, and the crucial nutrients and oxygen it carries, can’t reach the brain, brain cells can quickly die, leaving permanent damage

About 700,000 Americans have strokes each year, and 150,000 of them will die as a result. There are approximately 5.7 million stroke survivors in the United States today, many of whom suffered permanent disability caused by their stroke.

Although strokes are the third most frequent cause of death in the United States, the good news is that nearly 80 percent of strokes can be prevented if people make lifestyle choices that help them maintain good health.

Stroke: Know the Symptoms

The warning signs of a stroke may include:

Visual problems like a sudden change in vision or sudden double vision

Numbness of the face, weak arms or legs, weakness on one side of the body

Disorientation, problems with speech (e.g., slurred speech), and/or trouble understanding others

Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Painful headache that comes on suddenly and has no known cause

Stroke: Risk Factors

Some stroke factors can be controlled; others can’t. Here are some key risk factors that you should be aware of:

Age. Once you turn 55, your risk of stroke practically doubles every decade.

Family and personal history. If a close family member has had a stroke, or if you have had a stroke, TIA ( transient ischemic attack, a small stroke that causes little or no damage), or heart attack, your stroke risk is increased.

Other health conditions.High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and sickle cell anemia are all factors that increase your risk for stroke.

Your lifestyle.Smoking cigarettes, eating a high-fat and/or high-sodium diet, being obese, and not getting enough exercise can all increase your risk of stroke.

Stroke: Early Treatment

Every second counts when restoring blood flow to the brain because with every second lost, more brain cells die. Early recognition of stroke symptoms is crucial — the sooner treatment is given, the better.

One of the best treatments for blood clots — the cause of ischemic strokes — is tissue plasminogen activator, or t-PA, a clot-busting drug that works quickly to dissolve a clot and restore blood flow to the brain. But it must be given within the first few hours after symptoms start. While t-PA is not appropriate for people who suffer a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke, about 80 percent of strokes are caused by blood clots.

Anti-clotting medications and other blood thinners may also be given to people who have had an ischemic stroke, to help reduce the risk of another blood clot forming. Emergency surgery may also be done to open a blocked artery or repair a burst blood vessel.

The best thing to do if you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of stroke is to call 911 to get the most immediate medical attention possible.

Stroke: The Recovery Process

Stroke survivors often face an uphill battle when it comes to recovery. Fifty percent of stroke survivors will suffer from disabilities that prevent them from completely taking care of themselves and their daily needs.

Complications that may follow stroke include communication problems involving both language comprehension and speech. Stroke survivors may also experience paralysis on one or both sides of the body, as well as loss of control over their muscles. Swallowing may be difficult; memory problems and loss of memory are also common, as are pain and numbness throughout the body.

Stroke is a frightening condition to deal with. While you can’t control all of the risk factors, you can influence a great many of them. Keeping health conditions under control and focusing on following a healthy diet, not smoking, and getting plenty of regular exercise can help to decrease you likelihood of having a stroke.

A Stroke

2009-10-13T23:32:00.000-03:00

A Stroke: "

A stroke can be very scary. You will find that it can cause some part
of the brain to loss control over a certain part of the body or you
may lose consciousness since your bloody supply is interrupted.

When you have a stroke you will feel a sudden loss of neuro function.
There are many reasons why you might have a stroke and there are
different parts of the brain and body that are affected from a stroke.
Patients who survive a stroke may be severely handicapped.

There are people who do not survive a stroke, and that is why it is
important that you avoid the risk factors of a stroke. Some factors
that you can control is smoking, high blood pressure, and high
cholesterol.

You will also find that diabetes, heart trouble, and migraines with
aura will put you at risk.

When it comes to strokes, you will find that it is also called a brain
attack. This is because when you have a stroke it effects the brain
more than anything. When the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen
and the blood flow is cutoff.

It can be very scary to deal with someone who is having a stroke.
You shouldn’t panic, but you will want to call 9-1-1 immediately to
help the person.

You will want to ask the dispatcher what you can do to help them.
They will give you some instructions and you will want to follow
them exactly.

You will have to think about getting the person some medical attention
after they are released from the hospital. Most people who have a
stroke will need to look into home medical care. They may need to
have someone with them always.

There are tons of reasons why you will want to get them a home
nurse, but it should be because you need to give them a lot of
attention and sometimes it is just better for you to have a medical
experienced person.

There are some signs of a stroke that you will want to pay attention
to. There are lot of people who will have more strokes after their
first stroke. Sometimes they may only have a mini stroke, and then
there are times when people will have a full-blown stroke.

There is always neruo damage when there is a stroke, however,
what you do to react to the signs may matter in life or death.

Strokes are not something that you should take lightly. You will
a heart attack. You will want to treat a stroke like any other
disorder. You will find that it can be just as deadly as any other
medical condition, such as a heart disease.

Here is a free report

http://minisitesmall.com/stroke/Women_and_Stroke.pdf

Social Bookmarking"

Dying soldier made film to help others (VIDEO) - Stoke & Staffordshire

2009-10-13T19:07:00.000-03:00

Dying soldier made film to help others (VIDEO) - Stoke & Staffordshire: "

Dying soldier made film to help others (VIDEO)
Stoke & Staffordshire
Matthew decided to take up the Pulmonary Hypertension Association's offer to make a film promoting the charity and publicising the symptoms. ...

Word Wanderer

2009-09-24T13:43:00.000-03:00

Good morning

Here is a new free word game from Posit Science for you to try out.

~~Word Wanderer~~

Have fun and please let me know if you like it.

Thanks!

Gary

SMILE

2009-09-10T23:01:00.006-03:00

Hi and welcome back

Stroke is no joke! It is the leading cause of disability and as such creates the greatest cost in dollars as well as lives disrupted.

BUT, by learning three simple things and helping others to learn them too we can recognize when it is happening and get help FAST!

Please just do these two steps (it's that simple)

Step 1:

watch this video (it is a catchy tune)

Step 2:

Share this video with everyone that you can.

Just copy either of these links into an email if you want and send it to all of your friends.

http://signsofastroke.blogspot.com/2009/09/smile.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Gg2A_GVCk

You can share the video on Facebook and Twitter too.

That's it just two simple steps to increase stroke awareness and help people know when it is happening to them or someone they love.

THANKS!!!

Smiles :o)

Gary

Do You Know These Guys?

2009-08-31T00:40:00.005-03:00

Do you know these guys? Let me introduce you. Knowing them could save a life!

Personally I knew Slurry and Weaky and that allowed me to get help FAST!

You see I suffered a stroke in 2002 at age 53. Knowing these guys gave me the edge that I needed to survive.

Please help to promote awareness of stroke symptoms by sharing this post with everyone that you care about. Thanks!

You can read my story by clicking here.

You can join my "Net Friends" by clicking here

Smiles :o)

Gary

CANOE Money - News: EnCana bomber offered split of $1M reward

2009-08-11T00:25:00.001-03:00

CANOE Money - News: EnCana bomber offered split of $1M reward

Shared via AddThis

Stroke Is No Joke

2009-08-07T10:23:00.006-03:00

Hi everyone

Welcome back

I wanted everyone to read this good news story about how a woman, her husband along with trained health care professionals using new technology equipment brought about a positive result to one woman's encounter with stroke.

The story starts this way

The Sequoyah Memorial Hospital stroke team is pictured above with Jinx and Jim Blades, seated. Team members are, from left to right, Sharon Randolph, RN, CNO; Andrea Weber, RT/ARDMS; Chad Poor, IT; Janelle Brewer, RN; Kristie Hopper, pharmacy technician; Linda Leaf, RN; Janet Dobbs, RN; Becky Alden, MT; and Debbie Knoke, hospital CEO. and Mr. and Behind the Blades is the telemedicine equipment used to save Jinx Blade’s life on July 15. Submitted Photo

"July 15 started as a normal day for Leslie “Jinx” Blades. A trip to town to run errands was all she and her husband had planned for the day. After getting up and dressing, she took her daily baby aspirin. Just before leaving the house, she began to feel something that wasn’t normal. She noticed her left leg began to feel tingly, and quickly progressed into being completely numb and limp. She also noticed a strange tingling in her left arm. Quickly she called for her husband, Jim, who gave her another baby aspirin. However, it wasn’t too long after this that she knew something was seriously wrong. She was having a stroke."

You can read the entire story by clicking here.

Please help raise the awareness level of stroke in your community. Risk factors can be managed, the signs of a stroke can be learned, health professionals can be trained, equipment can be installed, lives CAN be saved.

We all can help by taking action to learn about stroke and then teaching others about what we have learned.

If you would like to know more about me click here.

If you would like to sign up to be one of my Net Friends click here.

Remember that it might be your own life or the life of someone that you love that you save.

Sroke really is NO JOKE. Take action NOW.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

What/Who Inspires You?

2009-07-26T12:13:00.006-03:00

Hi all

Here is a simple video to challenge you to think about how you would respond if something happened to you.

The video (above) features Sir Ken Robinson author of the book "The Element".

If you can, get Sir Ken's book and spend some time reading it. One of my favorite quotes from Sir Ken's book is "If you change your attitude...you can change your life".

I am sure you will love the book as much as I did and if you think about Ken's video just enough it may very well change your attitude.

People just like you are joining my "Net Friends" every day and you can too. Click here to signup.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

WWW.PowerToEndStroke.Org

2009-05-27T04:43:00.006-03:00

WWW.PowerToEndStroke.Org

Health Corner Features Ron Gardner's Story

2009-05-27T03:55:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone

My stroke buddy Ron Gardner sent me a message yesterday with a link to his story that was featured on the T.V. program Health Corner this past Sunday.

This is the intro that they gave as a lead up to Ron's story.

"More than 162,000 Americans die from stroke every year, a shocking statistic that motivated Emmy® award winning actress Cicely Tyson to speak out and start giving back. Health Corner profiles a New Jersey family affected by stroke. See how their lives have been transformed and why they're closer than ever."

Click here to watch the video feature and read more about Ron and his family.

By the way Ron is one of my Net Friends and if you would like to be one too then just Click Here to sign up.

As one of my Net Friends I will be passing on to you all sorts of great free content that I uncover as I explore the Net. It could be articles, videos, e books, software whatever. If you have something that you are looking for then just email me garydotgray@gmail.com and tell me what it is. More than likely I can find a free resource for you on the net.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

A Srtoke Survivor's Story...

2009-05-09T01:06:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone

Welcome!

Read this!... A stroke survivor telling the true story of what happened to him.

Click Here to read his story.

Thank you for reading Ron's story.

Please get to know the signs of a stroke. It just might save someone's live including your own.

Till next post.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Healthier Outcomes Article...

2009-04-18T22:50:00.005-03:00

Hi again everyone

Just a quick post to give you a link to today's front page newspaper article featuring my stroke buddy John Montgomery and his wife Bev.

John Montgomery enjoys a sucker as his wife, Bev, gives him a loving embrace. A stroke left John, now a resident of Hillsborough Hospital, with little ability to understand or express speech. Guardian photo by Jim Day

I first met john after his first stroke in 2005 and before his second which left him with a much greater degree of disability. He was one of if not the most enthusiastic supporter of my presentation Finding a "New Normal" at the PEI Heart and Stroke Strategies for Stroke Recovery conference in Charlottetown in November 2007.

Click Here... to read the entire article

This article gives even more details about the establishment of the organized stroke support program announced on Thursday.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Organized Stroke Care Model for PEI

2009-04-18T02:16:00.004-03:00

Hello Everyone

I have to tell you that I am pleased with the announcement of the establishment of a n acute stroke unit for our province in yesterday's provincial budget.

I am also very happy with the overall roll out as it was presented in the press release at the special press conference held this morning in Charlottetown.

I am including the press release from government here so you can read it in detail.

April 17, 2009
For immediate release

Government Commits to an Organized Stroke Care Model for PEI

Health

Available Photos

As unveiled in the Provincial budget, Government has introduced an Organized Stroke Care program to improve the outcomes for Islanders who have suffered a stroke. This program not only makes provision for a dedicated Acute Stroke Care Unit, it goes far beyond the stroke unit and provides a comprehensive prevention and treatment program for stroke survivors. The program will be phased in over 4 years.

After careful consideration, Government has chosen a care delivery model called “Organized Stroke Care.” This delivery model has been proven to improve patient outcomes after stroke. It promotes a coordinated approach with early assessment, mobilization and rehabilitation for every patient who can benefit.

“The number one priority of this Government is health care,” said Premier Robert Ghiz, “and the implementation of an Organized Stroke Care model will provide significant support to Islanders and their families who suffer from strokes. We had identified the need for such a model and we are pleased to be moving forward with this important initiative.”

The cornerstone of the Organized Stroke Care model is inpatient Stroke Unit Care, which includes management on an Acute Stroke Unit followed by intensive rehabilitation on a Rehabilitation Stroke Unit. Stroke Unit care is provided on specific nursing units, involving collaborative care between health professionals with special interest and expertise in stroke care. To achieve optimal outcomes, this care model must include care on both the Acute Stroke and Rehabilitation Units.

It is recognized that there will be health human resource challenges associated with the implementation of an Organized Stroke Care model. For this reason, Government has chosen a phased-in approach over 4 years. Staffing of stroke care positions may leave vacancies elsewhere in the system, so careful consideration will be taken to move forward in a responsible manner that ensures quality care across the entire system.

The Department of Health, in its leadership role of providing quality, sustainable health care to Islanders, has recognized and supported the priorities of stroke care, as well as the overall prevention and management of chronic disease. The Province’s Strategy for Healthy Living continues to address risk factors for chronic disease, including healthy eating, tobacco reduction and physical activity.

“This is a great day for health care in PEI,” said Doug Currie, Minister of Health. “I wish to thank the Heart and Stroke Foundation for their ongoing cooperative efforts to improve stroke care for Islanders. This stroke model will not only allow us to provide better care, but, when fully implemented, it will also alleviate some of the current bed pressures on our health system.”

In collaboration with health system partners, PEI has already begun to implement various initiatives within the 2006 provincial stroke strategy across the province. These include Ambulance direct transfer policies and implementation of TPA (clot busting drug) protocols at the two major hospitals in PEI. As well, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Island EMS and Murphy’s Pharmacies launched a media campaign to increase the awareness of signs and symptoms of stroke.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation and other partners have led many of the activities implemented to date. Government applauds these efforts and recognizes that further advancement of the strategy cannot occur without significant investment by Government.

Phase one (years 1-2) of the program includes a Stroke Unit Care model and a Rehabilitation Stroke Unit to be located on a specifically designated Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Charlottetown. The QEH was identified because two thirds of stroke occurring in PEI occur in Charlottetown and in Eastern PEI. The QEH is the central referral hospital in PEI, access to neurologists and physiatrists is best at QEH and the Provincial Rehabilitation Unit is already located at the QEH. Island EMS will continue to take patients to either the QEH Emergency Department or the Prince County Hospital (PCH) Emergency Department for initial stabilization in emergency care and critical care.

Also, in phase one, the PCH will run a Secondary Stroke Prevention pilot that is intended to roll-out province wide. The Prevention Unit will be focused on patients who have already had a stroke or TIA, which is commonly referred to as a “mini stroke.” The objective of the prevention care will be to delay future disease events, achieve improvement, promote wellness and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability. In PEI, there are approximately 340 to 360 strokes annually – this equals about one stroke every day.

-30-

Media Contact: Laura Jones

As you can see by committing to an "organized stroke support program" our government has gone beyond the scope of an acute stroke unit and has addressed other important issues such as prevention, recognition, first responders, acute treatment, rehabilitative treatment as well as follow up care.

This is a giant step forward that addresses most if not all of the concerns raised by my information piece that I had presented to each of the sitting members and official opposition members prior to budget meetings leading up to the budget presented yesterday.

How could I not be pleased with a result like this.

Congratulations to everyone involved in working toward this end. April 16th, 2009 will go down as a red letter day for future stroke victims and their families as well as present stroke survivors and their famiies in Prince Edward Island.

Congratulations!!! Woooo Hoooo!!!

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

GOOD NEWS FOR TOUGH TIMES

2009-04-03T00:09:00.005-03:00

Hi everyone

Welcome back!

Have you heard of Ron Gardner? Neither had I until today! Ron invited me to be his Facebook friend earlier today and joined my Net Friends list so I started checking him out. As a fellow stroke survivor with a business background and his ability to speak makes him someone that I will want to be getting to know better as time goes by.

In the meantime you may wish to check out his book "The Brave Steps For Stroke Survivors and Families: A Message of Motivation and Hope"

His press release follows along with a link to his book site. His book is available in three formats. Book, audio on CD and audio on MP3.

Click here to go to Ron's book site and his training site.

A Survivor of Near Fatal Stroke Offers Motivation and Hope to Millions

Pennsville, NJ - May 28, 2008 - Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. For survivors and their loved ones, it is a life-altering event. Ron Gardner, a survivor of a severe stroke, understands what it feels like to have his life changed forever. He has made it his personal mission to better the lives of the more than five million survivors with his new book, Take Brave Steps For Stroke Survivors and Families: A message of Motivation and Hope.

The book illustrates how motivation can meet inspiration. Gardner hopes it will lead readers from “bitter to better.” Ron shares his heart-felt personal tragedies and triumphs over stroke survival and guides readers and loved ones through the complex maze of stroke recovery with his self-reflections, tips, and other informative tools. Because families are adversely impacted by stroke in many ways that are difficult to manage and understand, he also introduces his wife Patti and daughter Molly to share how the stroke changed their lives and to tell how to prepare families and loved ones for the significant challenges that are about to unfold.

There are more than 780,000 new strokes each year. Many are preventable. According to Gardner, contributing factors to his stroke were unchecked stress and high blood pressure after more than twenty years in the corporate business world. Gardner urges everyone not to think this only happens to the “other guy.” Now a motivational speaker and trainer, he intends to use his book and its powerful testimony to encourage fellow corporate executives to make healthy lifestyle changes before they become the “other guy,” as he did.

Click here to go to Ron's book site and his training site.

By the way don't you miss joining my Net Friends List. Just enter your name and email address in the form over on the Right margin of this blog. I share from time to time interesting finds that I come accross on the net as I research the various topics that I blog about.

Till next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Stress and Your Health

2009-02-08T19:57:00.004-04:00

Welcome

Do you worry? You want to scream just make it stop!!!

There is so much to worry about these days. The declining economy, Stock Market investment losses, the environment, the downturn in the housing market, the job losses happening all around the globe.

So stress is a direct result of worrying about these things and can lead to major health issues.

Here is just part of what Talli van Sunder of Being Healthy for Busy People has to say on the matter

"Today’s episode is the first in a two part series about stress. Now is an appropriate time for this topic because these are tough and stressful times for many people. Unemployment is up, home foreclosures are high and the stock market is way down. Some people have lost their jobs and others are worried that they might lose theirs. There are a lot of people worrying about whether they can continue to pay their bills and mortgages."

Just click here to read the rest of her post and listen to part one of her podcast on stress and how to cope with the effects of today's stresses in our lives.

If you like the topics that I research and post on my blogs then you just might want to join my Net Friends List. It is where I share interesting and valuable nuggets that I uncover as I do research for my blogs.

If you wish to sign up then just enter your name and email address into the form in the Right margin of this blog and confirm the double opt in and you will be added to my Net Friends.

There are no fees (totally free), we never share your info, we don't spam you and you can unsubscribe a any time that you wish.

Til next post,

Smiles :o)

Gary

Seven Simple Steps to Prevent Back Pain

2008-08-23T00:18:00.001-03:00

Who is watching your back?

Well the stats say that more than four out of every five people will at some point in their lives suffer from some degree of back pain. This condition in the United States can cause 300 million days per year of restricted activity or an average of one day per year for every man, woman and child in the entire country. It can also cost the US economy nearly 150 billion dollars in medical treatments and lost productivity.

You may ask, "What can I do to help prevent back pain from taking away my active lifestyle and costing me hundreds and even thousands of dollars in medical costs?"

Well the pain in our back is not necessarily the result of serious injury. So to prevent and relive aches and pains from common causes here are seven things that you can do.

1. Get up and move around (every half hour or so) Don't get so focused on your work that you forget to get up. This moving about will stimulate your blood circulation which in turn will nurture back tissues. Use a timer (egg) to remind yourself to take a stretch break and move around a bit.

2. Watch your posture. When you sit maintain a natural curve in your lower back. To get the idea you can use a sponge roll or a rolled hand towel in the small of your back to help in training your body how to sit. Use a proper chair and avoid the use of overstuffed, sagging chairs.

3. Get your sleep. Check out your mattress for firmness. When you are lying on your side you want your spine to be straight. Try sleeping with a pillow between your knees (or under them if you are lying on your back) If you wake in the morning and you're comfortable, the mattress that you are sleeping on would appear to be just fine.

4. Exercise. A well-supported back depends on strong muscles in your midsection. By doing a few simple exercises on a regular basis you can tone your abdominal, side and back muscles. Simply set aside a few minutes in your day for your regular exercise routine and just do it.

5. De-Stress. Stress doesn't create back pain but it can magnify it. Try some relaxation techniques such as message or progressive muscle relaxation. My favorite is simply sitting passively in my favorite chair while listening to my selection of quiet time music. Don't forget to have that cup of tea.

6. Delegate the lifting. Lifting is where we can injure our backs so think twice about doing it. We may think we are still twenty but our backs have endured those extra years and now if you over lift or do repetitive lifting you can exceed the endurance of your back muscles. So simply think before you do it and let a younger back do the heavy lifting.

7. Don't twist and lift. Our backs hate it when we twist and lift so remember to turn your entire body and don't overextend your reach. If you are at your desk simply turn your chair rather than twisting your spine. So there you have seven simple tips that we all can do to keep our backs healthy and strong. Put these on your fridge or anywhere else that will remind you every day to watch your back. Don't we all appreciate it when someone is watching our backs.

For more on maintaining a healthy body visit http://www.physicaltherapyexercises.blogspot.com or click the hyperlink.

Physical Therapy Exercises.

Gary Gray

I am a six year stroke survivor on my long journey back to recovering as many abilities as possible and finding my new normal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_D_Gray

Is this the future....or not?

2008-07-03T20:26:00.008-03:00

Hi Everyone

Check this out... Dr Jill Bolte Taylor is a featured guest blogger on Moblogic TV. Are we looking at the future of brain science here or just a confused stroke survivor who got lost in the lengthy recovery process from her stroke of almost twelve years ago.

You tell me... Read the blog post, watch the interview and then post your thoughts back here as a comment. Or follow me on Twitter and tell me @garydotgray

Guest Blogger: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

"Everything we are capable of thinking, feeling or doing is because we have cells in our brain that perform that function. I can track a moving target because I have cells designed to do that. I can move my finger because I have cells wired specifically for that function. Once those cells are either traumatized or die, then I can no longer perform that function.

On an emotional level, I can experience anger or sadness or loneliness, because I have emotional circuitry, made up of cells that perform those functions. Equally important, I have the ability to experience deep inner peace or a connection with something that is greater than I am, because I have cells that perform those functions."

Go to the post to read the remainder of Dr. Taylor's comments

Enjoy and be sure to comment with your thoughts.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Meet Kyle Jay a Brain Stem "Locked in" Stroke Survivor.

2008-06-27T13:21:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone

In March of this year (2008) I was introduced by Cathy Sinclair of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI to a young man from our community by the name of Kyle Jay.

Cathy introduced me by way of telling me that Kyle had suffered a Brain Stem Stroke and was "locked in". He and his family were in a hospital in Halifax (200 miles away) and could I be available to be contacted by them and help them with access to getting support from the stroke community.

So after an email introduction to Kyle's mom Darlene I began to get the word out to the stroke community and stroke survivors and caregivers started to respond to my request to contact Kyle through his FaceBook group, email or a personal visit.

Thank you every body for your support. Kyle has been moved back to te Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown where he continues to make good progress with his recovery.

He was moved into the Rehab Unit on Monday where I got to visit him (and meet him for the first time) Monday evening and his dad (Garth) snapped this picture of us together.

Here is a link to my Stroke Network Blog where I have been re posting Darlene's FaceBook posts so that Stroke Network Members that don't have a FaceBook account could follow Kyle's progress.

Here is a link to Kyle's FaceBook Group so you can learn more about this amazing young man.

Kyle is an amazing young man through his "can do" attitude, his great smile and laugh, support of his family, friends and community as well as members of the world wide stroke community Kyle is accomplishing the impossible. (recovery from a brain stem stroke and a "locked in" condition)

Yes Kyle is a real life inspiration to all stroke survivors everywhere. "Yes We Can"

Smiles :o)

Gary

At least half of Canadians do not treat stroke as a medical emergency

2008-06-21T19:53:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone

ONLY... 24 out of every 100 people in some provinces in Canada would call 9-1-1 if they or someone that they knew was experiencing the warning signs of stroke.

A new report reveals:

At least half of Canadians do not treat stroke as a medical emergency, warns the Heart and Stroke Foundation Report on Stroke. In a national poll of adults, the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that less than half would call 9-1-1 if they or someone they know experienced warning signs of stroke.

When we realize that some 50,000 Canadians suffer stroke every year of which the majority either die or are permanently disabled is it any wonder that we need to promote Stroke Awareness in Canada.

Click here to read the entire report.

Smiles :o)

Gary

My three video clips on High Blood Pressure and Stroke

2008-06-08T01:08:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone

In February 2008 I was asked by our local hospital foundation if I would participate in a televised interview on the subject of High Blood Pressure and Stroke.

It was recorded at the local Community Cable Chanel Studio along with Karen Brown a health nurse with the hospital.

The actual full interview lasted about an hour but I have posted (on You Tube) three clips of seven minutes each just to give you an idea of how the interview went.

So click here to go and view the clips.

If you like them please feel free to rate them or digg them etc. That way they can be shared with more people and that increases awareness of stroke and stroke recovery issues as well.

The more we care means the more we share....

Smiles :o)

Gary

Learn/Leisure Therapy... Dr. Nancy Mayo

2008-05-24T15:23:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone

Here is a unique opportunity to hear the voices of stroke

BUT!...Before you listen. Check out Dr. Nancy Mayo's presentation "Getting on with the rest of Your Life after stroke: Mission Possible...

I have just uploaded an audio (WAV) file of the recording that I did at the "Strategies for Stroke Recovery" Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Canada. (Nov 07)

It is a recording of Dr. Nancy Mayo's presentation "Getting on with the rest of Your Life after stroke: Mission Possible" (about an hour in length)

http://www.blackberrykewl.com/files/drnancymayo.wav

Just click on the link to listen to the presentation (the entire presentation is interesting but the last half really talks about us as stroke survivors fitting back into our communities and getting on with the rest of our lives.... post stroke)

I would really appreciate having your comments on this idea of "Learn/leisure therapy" does it sound like something that could work for you?

Now click on the link above to listen to the "Voices of Stroke"...Thanks.

Smiles :o)

Gary

This is a One Time Special Post!

2008-05-15T00:01:00.008-03:00

Hello to my Social Networking friends. If you think that Barack Obama (see video “Yes We Can !”) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY can change the real lives of millions of American people. Then Ed Dale, Dan Rain and the Thirty Day Challenge (see video " The Thirty Day Challenge Music Video") http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eX0_EEvUWE can change the real lives of billions of people around the globe in ways they could never imagine in their wildest dreams. I just wanted to share this little known but empowering information with friends within my own social network. Shhh don’t let the cat out of the bag so to speak. You can check it out if you wish at. http://www.ThirtyDayChallenge.com/challenge/336

Getting on with the rest of your life, Post Stroke...

2008-05-11T00:13:00.008-03:00

Hi again everyone.

I just wanted to let you know that a great couple who have survived and thrived through the stroke experience will be reaching their 8th stroke anniversary this month. They will truly inspire you in a way that you may never have thought possible.

Congratulations Don and Jean!

To introduce you, please read Jean's comments below and then click through to her blog.

Stroke Anniversary Number Eight

May 21st, 2008 will be the eighth anniversary since Don's massive stroke, a stroke that changed the direction of our lives as strokes do for most people. This year, to celebration the fact that my husband beat the prognosis of two neurologists and is far from being “a vegetable for the rest of his life,” as they predicted, I'm planning a day trip to Lake Michigan.

Click Here to read Jean's blog... "From the Planet Aphasia"

Smiles :o)

Gary

the Aphasia and Stroke Caregivers Guide...

2008-05-05T02:49:00.005-03:00

If you are a new caregiver or Stroke survivor please check out the abundance of personal experience that is available on Jean Riva's Squidoo site. Jean has been a Stroke Buddy for a number of years now as her husband Don had his stroke back in 2000.

I am sure that you will find her information very helpful whether you are a caregiver or a survivor.

Read her intro below and then click the link to go to her page.

"Caregiving is not for sissies! This has been my personal mantra since May of 2000 when my husband had a massive stroke that left him right side paralyzed and with no verbal or written means of communication. Becoming an aphasia and stroke caregiver quickly took me outside of my comfort zone and I repeated that mantra to myself many times in the early months. It helped me to be brave and bold and grow into the job one day at a time. I've learned many things along the way to becoming a seasoned stroke caregiver and eventually a peer mentor.

My purpose in creating this 'Aphasia and Stroke Caregivers Guide' is to share what I've learned and the resources I've found over the years, and will continue to find in the future"...Jean Riva

Click here to enter Jean's site.

Acute Stroke Unit Needed for PEI

2008-04-24T07:35:00.000-03:00

Islanders from all walks of life have added their voices to the call for an acute stroke unit. To read the letters they wrote to Island editors, click here.

Introducing Gary Gray Stroke Survivor

2007-11-18T02:07:00.000-04:00

photo credit: Joan Sinclair Prince Edward Island Heart & Stroke Foundation

Hello Everyone

Let me introduce myself to you.

My name is Gary Gray and I live in Montague, Prince Edward Island Canada. I have recently been given the opportunity to share my incredible story of recovery from a hemorrhagic stroke in August 2002. My family was given little hope, my car was sold and my house closed up, but today I live independently, work part time consulting and drive a vehicle again. My remarkable story has brought important lessons about finding "a New Normal"

The hour long presentation is being produced on video and should be available soon.

In the meantime please enjoy my NEW "Signs of a Stroke" blog. We all need to be aware of the terrible cost stroke can inflict on our lives and our communities. We need to learn how to recognize the signs of stroke in order to get help quickly and reduce both the cost and effects of stroke!

Smiles :o)

Gary

Stroke Awareness hits the Big Screen

2007-11-18T00:50:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone

Stroke Awareness hits the Big Screen
The Calgary Stroke Program is bringing a fresh approach to stroke education in the Calgary Health Region with a new independent short film titled “Inside Out.”
The first of its kind developed by a health region in Canada, the film is a fictional story that focuses on the health, wellness, and lifestyle choices of a young professional woman trying to balance work and family life. Now available on the Region’s website, the film trailer for Inside Out is also set to air at the Calgary International Film Festival from September 21 to 30, and will be available on YouTube later this month.
Thelma Inkson, Vice-President, Northwest Community Portfolio and Foothills Medical Centre, says the Region needs to step outside the box to find ways to reach out to the community. “Hopefully by bringing our messages to the big screen, the film will capture the interest of people and will allow us to tell a story that will resonate in the Calgary community,” she says.
“A stroke is not just a disease of the elderly – it can happen to anyone at anytime,” says Dr. Michael Hill Director of the Calgary Health Region’s Stroke Unit. “That’s why it’s so important for all of us to know the warning signs of stroke and to act immediately when they occur. This type of film is a perfect vehicle to get that message out to our community in a new and exciting way.”
The Calgary Stroke Program, a partnership between the Region and the University of Calgary’s Department of Clinical Neurosciences, is one of the top programs in North America for stroke research and treatment. Now, through its involvement with the Alberta Provincial Stroke Strategy (APSS), the Stroke Program is collaborating with the other eight health regions, Alberta Health Wellness and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT, and Nunavut to standardize stroke care and awareness throughout the province.
“Funding for this project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the APSS,” says Dr. Hill. “In addition to working to standardize the continuum of stroke care throughout Alberta, the APSS mandate also focuses on supporting the development of programs and tools to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of stroke.”
“We can’t control our family history, age, gender, or ethnicity,” says Dr. Hill. “But we can try to change the way we live – we can eat healthier, exercise, quit smoking. Some strokes can be prevented. Hopefully, the more we send this message out there, the less often we’ll have to treat strokes in the future.”
For more information:
To arrange interviews with members of Calgary Stroke Program, contact Léora Rabatach,
Communications, Calgary Stroke Program at (403) 944-8637 or (403) 875-8716.
To view click the link below.

Inside Out

Thank you for taking this valuable time from your busy day to view this life saving information. Please tell others!

Smiles :o)

Gary

Stroke Network Stroke Awareness

2007-10-08T14:14:00.000-03:00

Hi and welcome back

I want to give you a link to a review that is found in the October issue of The StrokeNet Newsletter an online newsletter that can be very helpful to stroke survivors and their families as well as anyone wanting to know more about stroke.

Click here to read the review.

Once you have read the review, be sure to follow the links that will take you through this very valuable stroke awareness information.

I hope that you find the information helpful in your search for stroke related information on the internet.

Smiles :o)

Gary

Smile...Talk...Raise both arms...

2007-09-02T02:44:00.000-03:00

Since an apparently innocent and inconsequential little weak spell or stumble can be signs of a stroke, it is essential to see whether it was indeed an innocent little weak spell, stumble....or a stroke!

As ordinary bystanders we can check it out by asking these three simple questions, which can be memorized by the acronym STR or listen here to "The Stroke Song"

S - ask the person to...Smile. :o)
T - ask the person to Talk - to speak a simple coherent sentence. "It's a sunny day outside"
R - ask the person to Raise both arms. (like in a stickup)

If the person has trouble with any one of these tasks, call call 9-1-1 immediately.

These three simple tasks can also be self-administered if a person is alone and has had a weak spell or other potential symptom of a stroke.

What happens after a Stroke

2007-09-01T23:38:00.001-03:00

Even though stroke awareness is needed not everyone has the good fortune to avoid having a Stroke. There are thousands of people around the world every day who experience Stroke.

Even knowing the Signs of a Stroke will not stop a Stroke from happening. Knowing the Signs of a Stroke can allow faster medical attention thereby allowing the one who has suffered the stroke to possibly survive this traumatic event.

This raises the question of, what happens after a stroke?

This question is one that is asked by the Stroke Survivor, the family members and caregivers.

How can we cope? Can the survivor regain a measure of independence? How can we communicate and help the survivor?

These are all questions that require information. Information needed at a very stressful time for everyone. Where can one turn to find this information quickly, easily and provided by someone that can be trusted?

I have found a simple electronic book (ebook) that can be downloaded to your computer a very quick and easy way to get started with trustworthy information that can be put to use immediately.

The information contained can benefit the survivor, family members and caregivers.

To find out more

click here

Why know the Signs of a Stroke...

2007-08-31T01:47:00.000-03:00

Why know the Signs of a Stroke indeed. Well there is a very good reason to know the Signs of a Stroke. A stroke can and does kill and maim thousands of people around the world every day. Knowing the Signs of a Stroke could save the life or prevent permanent and devastating disability of someone that you love. Once a person has suffered a stroke they can never go back to the normal that they had before the stroke.

To allow a rare insight into this aspect of stroke my friend Pam a five year plus stroke survivor has allowed me to publish her previously unpublished article here on my Signs of a Stroke blog. I hope these words of a person who has survived stroke and now lives with it's effects every day will provide you with an insightful peek into this little known aspect of stroke.

Looking for Normal?

So Stroke has entered your life in some way? Welcome to this exclusive elite club, membership is required and the dues are steep. So now that you have become a bona fide member, you're looking for "Normal" in some shape or form. The big questions always asked is when will I be back to "normal"? How long before I feel "normal" again? When does our life go back to "normal"?

Websters dictionary has a few definitions of the word Normal;
1nor·mal Listen to the pronunciation of 1normal
Pronunciation:
\ˈnȯr-məl\
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Latin normalis, from norma
Date:
circa 1696

1: perpendicular; especially : perpendicular to a tangent at a point of tangency2 a: according with, constituting, or not deviating from a norm, rule, or principle b: conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern3: occurring naturally 4 a: of, relating to, or characterized by average intelligence or development b: free from mental disorder : sane5 aof a solution : having a concentration of one gram equivalent of solute per liter b: containing neither basic hydroxyl nor acid hydrogen c: not associated d: having a straight-chain structure 6of a subgroup : having the property that every coset produced by operating on the left by a given element is equal to the coset produced by operating on the right by the same element7: relating to, involving, or being a normal curve or normal distribution 8of a matrix :

My quest for normal, has taken me in search of being able to do many things in my daily life automatically. To progress past the point of having to think out every step before I attempted everything. The definition occurring naturally is what I sought.
I want to walk normal.
I want to feel normal.Feeling normal is a very vague, broad thought that encompasses many parts of my personality pre stroke and those included physical abilities that I've lost in the stroke. Having defined that, I've learned the direction I'm facing will get me no where. I can't go back to who I was pre stroke or do what I once did in terms of sports, housework, jobs and hobbies. So I realized the direction I was facing was wrong. I needed to define a new "normal, one that can't be found in Websters, but rather can be found here or in the Stroke Club welcome brochure.
My new definition of normal is anything I feel post stroke, frustration, anger, and pride. It also includes how I do things differently and the amount of time it now takes me to do things. I've found that I no longer can live within society's definitions of "normal", I'm no longer that round peg that fits in a round hole. I'm something new and I can't be pigion holed any longer.Any survivor reading this, remember "Normal" is a setting on the washer. it needn't apply to you. We survivors need to learn that once stroke has arrived in our lives, it is up to us to redefine the word normal into something we can realistically live with and be happy with.
I'd be really glad to hear how others have defined "Normal", I bet there are as many new definitions as there are survivors and caregivers and family members.Looking for normal that applied to yourself pre stroke is nothing but an excersise in futility, a set up to be disappointed in yourself and to disappoint others. Because after we've had a stroke, we now have certified brain damage. Brain cells and tissue and neurons all are killed or displaced and it takes time for the brain to either pick up the slack of the damage or allow new pathways to be built in our brains. So to accept that this is now normal, we have to redefine the word to apply to us and our new levels of skills and abilities. The word normal with its definition from Websters and all the wishful thinking we apply to the word has to be changed. We are changed.We are now brain damaged.So the next time you see or hear anyone use the word normal in conjunction with a survivor, ask them whose definition they are using?

Pam Braidt
July 14, 2007
Stroke Survivor working at recovery since 02/01/02

Thank you for taking the valuable time from your busy day to read Pam's article. Stroke awareness is important because in todays society with it's hectic pace and fast food lifestyle more and more younger people are at risk of stroke. As the baby boomer generations age and move into their 60's and on, their risk of stroke also increases.
Because the occurrence of stroke is on the rise the need for stroke awareness becomes more important with each passing day.

To help meet the need for stroke prevention and awareness this blog "Signs of a Stroke" has been created to promote stroke awareness (from a stroke survivors point of view) as well as to provide information on the four major aspects of stroke. Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Community Reintegration.

Signs of a Stroke

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Recognize the signs of a stroke when you see them.

Weakness: Sudden loss of strength or sudden numbness in the face, arm, leg, even if temporary.

Trouble Speaking: Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding or sudden confusion, even if temporary.

Vision Problems: Sudden trouble with vision even if temporary.

Headache: Sudden severe and unusual headache.

Dizziness: Sudden loss of balance, especially with any of the above signs.

The signs may be mild or severe.

If you see or experience one or more of these signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately.

Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Prince Edward Island