Vitality - Fall 2013 - (Page 12)

Heart Smart Secrets of Stroke Survivors No one said bouncing back from a stroke is easy-but it is possible Just as a storm can brew up out of the blue, a stroke strikes swiftly and suddenly, and can hit anyone at any age. Also known as a brain attack, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel breaks or a blood clot blocks an artery, preventing blood from reaching part of the brain. And when the brain is involved, the side effects can be serious. "Stroke survivors may suffer paralysis or the inability to communicate or think clearly," says Pamela Duncan, PhD, a physical therapist who works with stroke survivors and is a spokeswoman for the American Stroke Association. "It can be devastating, but there is a lot of hope for recovery." So what can you do to bounce back after a stroke? SECRET NO. 1: BE ACTIVE The single most important thing you can do after a stroke is participate in a rehabilitation program. "Getting therapy early and sustaining it over time has demonstrated tremendous beneﬁts," Duncan says. Rehabilitation is your ticket to reclaiming your life and returning to independent living. 4 out of 5 12| FA L L 2 0 1 3 You may need physical, speech or occupational therapy-or a combination of the three-to regain mobility or to combat aphasia (which affects language skills). Work with your doctor to determine the best strategy and stick to it, even when the going gets tough, which it will. And that leads us to ... SECRET NO. 2: BE HOPEFUL Never leave home without a little hope. A good lesson for all of us, but particularly stroke survivors and their loved ones. "Stroke recovery takes a community of support," Duncan says. "And hope is a message reinforced by family members and caregivers." Duncan remembers one woman in particular who beneﬁted from an upbeat outlook. She had a stroke in her 50s and suffered signiﬁcant aphasia-both major blows. "It was honestly her ability to keep that can-do, optimistic attitude that helped her recover," Duncan says. "She was incredibly committed." Of course, some people were simply born more optimistic than others. Combine that with the fact that depression is a common consequence of stroke, and you may ﬁnd it challenging to hang on to your hopefulness. If you notice signs of depression, speak up. It's normal, but you don't have to let it hinder the healing process. SECRET NO. 3: BE DETERMINED Another tool to put in your stroke recovery toolbox: determination. The estimated amount of families affected by stroke.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Fall 2013

Vitality - Fall 2013
Contents
Health Beat
Diabetes Survival Guide
A New Light
Road to Recovery
Heart Smart
Q + A

Vitality - Fall 2013