Thursday, October 24, 2024

Hours after a massive stroke, 39-year-old was talking and moving

  







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Hours after a massive stroke,
39-year-old was talking and moving

By Diane Daniel, American Heart Association News

Stroke survivor Ashley Lunardini with her dog, Ruby. 
(Photo courtesy of Ashley Lunardini)

For a week or so, Ashley Lunardini felt an intermittent pain in her neck. She also had a dull headache that wouldn't go away. She'd had neck pain before, but headaches were rare.
Overall, she was in excellent health. At 39, she went to Pilates class three times a week, walked every day and ate healthy meals.

She went to see her primary care physician. She didn't see anything wrong. Thinking Lunardini's discomfort could be caused by a nerve, the doctor gave her a prescription for pain medicine.

That evening, Lunardini became nauseous and dizzy. She assumed it was a reaction to the medication.

The next morning, a Friday, she felt fine. After a quick trip to the grocery store, she pulled into her driveway. Steering toward the garage, she became so dizzy she had to stop the car. Soon after, she was fine.

A half hour later, the vision in her left eye started to blur. Before long, it cleared up.

"Something is really weird," she told her husband, Tim Barlog.

A pub in their Chicago neighborhood was having a dog-friendly event that evening, and the couple wanted to take Ruby, their dachshund-beagle mix. Lunardini had noted that Ruby had followed her everywhere all week and whined when she was away – things the dog never did. At the pub, she stayed under Lunardini's chair, again out of character.

Back home an hour later, the couple was about to order a pizza when Lunardini suddenly felt a surge of electricity course through her body.

"Something's not right," she told Barlog. "What is wrong with me?"

She started to cry.

"Here, drink some water," he said, handing her a glass.

With a shaking hand, she started to take the glass but didn't know what to do with it. Then she slumped over on the couch.

"Ashley, can you hear me?" Barlog yelled.

She could. But no words came out of her mouth.

Barlog called 911. Paramedics arrived within two minutes.

After being assessed, Lunardini was taken to a Level 1 trauma hospital about 10 minutes away, where she would get the highest level of care.

She could hear the paramedics talk to her in the ambulance, but she couldn't answer. Only later did she learn that the strange snorting sound she'd heard had come from her. She was gasping for air.

Doctors quickly determined that she'd had a massive stroke. It was caused by a clot in her basilar artery. The basilar is the main artery that carries blood to the back portion of the brain.

After they gave her clot-busting medication, Ashley's sister, Kristin Lunardini, joined Barlog in the room with Ashley. By then, she was unresponsive, paralyzed and intubated.

"We won't know what brain damage has occurred until she's out of surgery," the doctor said.

"The stats they gave were not optimistic," Kristin said. "It was terrifying to see her in that state."

She and Barlog sobbed as they sat with Ashley.

A couple of hours later, doctors performed a thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot.

A nurse later said to Barlog and Kristin: "You can see her before going home for the night. She's awake and moving."

They were dumbfounded.

"As we got closer to her room, I could hear her voice," Kristin said. "Then I saw her legs move. We were all just sobbing."

Although Ashley had some memory loss and vision issues, her motor skills and speech were intact.

Even doctors were amazed at her recovery. A few physicians who heard about her case stopped by to see for themselves this patient who'd made such a dramatic reversal.

Ashley was in the intensive care unit for eight days while doctors performed diagnostic tests. They also needed to do another procedure.

The clot had developed because she had several dissections, or tears, in the arteries in her neck. Doctors used stents to keep them open and restore blood flow. What caused the dissections? Doctors couldn't find a reason.

Once home, Ashley did a month of physical therapy and five months of occupational therapy. That helped with her memory loss and vision. Ruby stayed by her side, as she had done just before the stroke.

The first three months post-stroke, Ashley felt constant pressure in her brain. She went from taking small steps around the house to going outside to eventually walking around the block. She returned to work part time after six weeks and returned to full time a few months later.

While Ashley's body continued to heal, emotionally she was traumatized.

"The anxiety I felt during recovery, especially the first three months, was paralyzing," she said. "In some ways, I wished I would have blacked out and remembered nothing of my stroke. Maybe that would have been easier."

In May 2023, nine months after her stroke, she was cleared to begin exercising at the gym. She also started driving short distances. However, there were many times when she made plans to get together with family or friends, then backed out.

"I don't always know what triggers her, but I try to stay flexible," said Kristin, who is a social worker and thus brings a deeper understanding of Ashley's challenges. "I think the whole family has more of an awareness that things can change really quickly."

               Ashley Lunardini (left) with her sister, Kristin, and dog, Ruby. 
                            (Photo courtesy of Ashley Lunardini)

Well over a year after the stroke, Ashley still struggles with leaving her "bubble." One incentive is traveling, something she and Barlog have always enjoyed.

So far, she's only felt comfortable returning to U.S. cities she's visited often. Even then, before each trip, she makes sure the town has a hospital with a Level 1 trauma center. And while Ruby doesn't travel with her, she brings the next best thing: a toy dachshund named Fuby.

For the two-year anniversary of her stroke survival, the couple celebrated with a trip to Scottsdale, Arizona.

By the three-year anniversary, she hopes to have returned to traveling internationally.

"It's still hard to step outside my bubble," she said, "but I also don't want to live in constant fear."

                           Ashley Lunardini (left) with her husband, Tim Barlog. 
                                    (Photo courtesy of Ashley Lunardini)

Stories From the Heart chronicles the inspiring journeys of heart disease and stroke survivors, caregivers and advocates.

American Heart Association News Stories
American Heart Association News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in American Heart Association News stories reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the American Heart Association’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to American Heart Association News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the American Heart Association’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Caregivers Can Find Work/Life Balance With This Guide

 







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The following article was written by 
Andea Needham eldersday.org
and submitted to us for publication on our blog. 

Caregivers Can Find Work/Life Balance With This Guide

Photo via Pexels



Balancing the demands of caregiving, work, and personal life can be a challenging endeavor. For those who provide care for seniors, the complexities of juggling these responsibilities often require careful planning and self-awareness. You must focus on strategies that allow you to maintain your well-being while fulfilling your commitments both at home and at work. In this article, presented by Stroke Camp, we’ll talk about a few ways you can find balance in all aspects of your life.


Establish Firm Limits


Establishing clear boundaries is crucial in maintaining a balance between caregiving, work, and personal life. When you set defined limits, you create space to focus on each area without unnecessary overlap. It helps to communicate openly with your employer about your caregiving responsibilities and to ensure that your work schedule accommodates these needs. Similarly, setting boundaries at home can help you avoid burnout by allocating specific times for work, caregiving, and personal time, thus promoting a healthier balance.


Master the Art of Saying No


Learning to say no is a vital skill in balancing your various roles. While it’s natural to want to accommodate everyone’s needs, overextending yourself can lead to stress and burnout. By declining additional responsibilities when necessary, you preserve your energy for the most important tasks. This might mean saying no to extra projects at work or delegating some caregiving duties to others. Prioritizing your well-being allows you to perform your roles more effectively, without feeling overwhelmed.


Advance Your Career Through Online Learning


Considering your career progression while caregiving may seem overwhelming, but pursuing an online degree can provide flexibility. If you're looking to expand your career options in fields like nurse education, informatics, administration, or advanced practice, give this a view. The online format allows you to manage your studies alongside your caregiving duties, making it possible to further your career without compromising your current responsibilities. This approach not only enhances your skills but also opens new doors for future opportunities.


Think Ahead with Strategic Planning


Planning for the future is key to managing your responsibilities effectively. Whether focusing on long-term care for your loved one or strategizing your career progression, a clear plan keeps you organized and prepared. Creating a schedule that balances work and caregiving duties, or setting professional goals, can help you stay on track. By anticipating challenges and preparing in advance, you minimize unexpected stress and ensure you can handle your responsibilities with confidence.


Cultivate Supportive Relationships


Maintaining strong relationships with friends and family is key to sustaining your well-being. These connections provide emotional support, which is invaluable when managing the pressures of caregiving and work. Make time to connect with loved ones, even if it’s just a quick phone call or a coffee break. Nurturing these relationships helps you recharge, offering a sense of balance and perspective. Your support network can also provide practical help, further lightening your load and helping you maintain a balanced life.


Acknowledge and Celebrate Progress


Amid the demands of caregiving and work, it’s important to recognize and celebrate small victories. Acknowledging your accomplishments, no matter how minor they seem, boosts morale and motivation. Whether it’s successfully managing a particularly hectic day or achieving a career milestone, taking the time to appreciate your efforts reinforces your ability to balance multiple roles. Celebrating these moments reminds you that your hard work is paying off and provides the encouragement needed to continue balancing your responsibilities.


Finding balance between caregiving, work, and personal life is not without its challenges, but it is certainly achievable. By implementing thoughtful approaches and staying mindful of your own needs, you can manage these responsibilities effectively. Through careful planning and a focus on what truly matters, you can ensure a fulfilling and balanced life.


The team at Stroke Camp aims to help stroke survivors improve their quality of life through thoughtfully-planned weekend retreats and educational resources. Have a question? Reach out today to learn more.




Please let me know once the article is published. If you can share the link that would be great.

Best,

Andrea Needham

andrea@eldersday.org


Monday, August 12, 2024

Empowering Senior Caregivers: Launch Your Own Support Business

 







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The following article was written by 
Andea Needham eldersday.org
and submitted to us for publication on our blog. 

Image via Freepik


Empowering Senior Caregivers: 
Launch Your  Own Support Business
As the aging population grows, so does the demand for dedicated senior caregivers. 
If you want to make a meaningful impact and start a business that addresses the challenges these unsung heroes face, creating a venture tailored to support senior caregivers is a worthy pursuit. 
This Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp guide will walk you through the essential steps to establish a successful service-focused business that meets the unique needs of senior caregivers.

Pinpointing Caregiver Needs

Pinpoint the specific challenges and needs that senior caregivers face in your community. Are they seeking respite care, educational resources, or support with daily tasks? Understanding these needs will help you tailor your services effectively, ensuring your business becomes a valued resource. Whether it's offering flexible scheduling options or specialized caregiver training, your services should aim to alleviate these caregiver's burdens.

Establish Your Business Blueprint

Create a business plan to boost your success prospects; this plan should encapsulate your vision. Describe your company, outlining what sets you apart in the marketplace. Detail how you'll market and sell your services to target demographics. Explain your business's structure, from management to operational logistics. And include funding details and financial projections to secure investors and guide fiscal decisions.

Understanding the Market Landscape

Conduct thorough research to gauge your area's demand for caregiver support services. Identify key demographics, understand the specific needs of the local caregiver community, and analyze your competitors. This insight will enable you to position your business effectively, ensuring it meets senior caregiver's real and pressing needs while differentiating itself from existing offerings.

Tailoring Service Offerings

Diversify your service offerings to appeal to a wide range of needs within the caregiver community. Consider providing flexible caregiving options such as hourly aid, daily assistance, or full-time live-in care. Tailoring your packages to include varied levels of support can help you cater to the broad spectrum of caregiver situations, making your services more appealing and accessible.

Optimizing Payment Processes

Make sure you have an invoicing process to facilitate prompt and timely payments. Use an invoice generator to select from pre-made templates and customize invoices with text, photos, and your logo. Opt for an invoice generator that offers an invoice template free download, allowing flexibility in how you receive and store your documents.

Choose a system that lets you download your invoices in your preferred format, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. This setup streamlines your billing process and ensures you maintain a professional appearance with every transaction.

Effective Marketing Strategies

Use both online and offline marketing techniques to enhance the visibility of your services. Develop a professional website to serve as the cornerstone of your digital presence.

Maintain an active social media presence to connect with potential clients and engage with the community. Invest in local advertising to reach your target audience effectively. Through these marketing efforts, attract more clients and ensure steady growth for your business.

Building Professional Partnerships

Build strong relationships with healthcare professionals, senior centers, and community organizations to form a supportive network. These connections can significantly increase referrals to your services. Establish yourself as a trusted partner within the senior care community to grow your client base.

Strengthen your business's reputation through active collaboration and community involvement. Engage with key community figures and institutions to enhance your visibility and credibility.

Enhancing Caregiver Support

Offer educational materials, support groups, and workshops tailored to enhance caregiving skills and reduce stress. These resources provide the necessary tools and knowledge to improve care quality. Engage in sessions designed to empower you, boosting your confidence and ability in caregiving.

Participate in workshops focusing on practical, hands-on techniques you can apply daily. Benefit from support groups where you can share experiences and strategies with other caregivers, enhancing your well-being and efficacy.

Summary

Starting a business to support senior caregivers is a financially rewarding and profoundly meaningful endeavor. By addressing the specific needs of this community, providing tailored services, and building a solid support network, you can significantly impact the lives of caregivers and those they care for. Step into this role with commitment and creativity, and watch as your business transforms the landscape of senior caregiving. It’s a journey worth embarking on.

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our survivor and caregiver services?  StrokeCamp.org today!


Thursday, August 10, 2023

6 Simple Self-Improvement Tips for Stroke Survivors

 








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Ok, before you say it let me answer it. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I have not gone off my rocker by posting a non-stroke related article on a dedicated stroke centered blog. This blog will remain a blog for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Harry Cline has been a long time contributor to this blog of excellent articles which in themselves aren't specifically aimed at stroke but they do contain information that can be very useful to families that are affected by stroke.

There are links included in most of the following paragraphs that expand on the subjects Harry is outlining. Some of these sites may want to collect cookies as do most of the sites we visit these days so be aware of that. Neither United Stroke Alliance nor Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp endorse, affilliate with or recieve funds or other benefits from these companies. They are included as reference material only.

Any questions relating to this article or to the companies referenced should be directed to: Harry Cline at: harry@newcaregiver.org
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Image via Freepik
6 Simple Self-Improvement Tips for Stroke Survivors

No one needs to tell you how challenging life after a stroke can be, and it can take time to adjust to new limitations and find your feet again. But by exercising the right mindset and incorporating healthy habits, you can begin to restore your independence and enjoy your life to the fullest.

Below, Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp shares six tips for capturing self-improvement after suffering a stroke. From building positive relationships to finding a new hobby, these tactics will help you improve your overall well-being, boost your confidence, and put you on the road to fulfilling your life goals.

1. Hang out with positive people

Surrounding yourself with uplifting and inspiring people can yield significant benefits for your mental health and help you maintain a positive outlook on life. It can also do wonders for your mood and confidence levels. Find people who share similar interests, join clubs, and explore online communities.

Hosting get-togethers with good people at your home is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. You can make your events even more special by using an online invitation maker (you may consider this option ) to create beautiful invitations. With a wide range of templates and customization options available, you can design invitations that reflect the theme and ambience of your gathering. Make your next event one to remember!

2. Lower your stress levels

Because it can have such a negative impact on your physical and mental well-being, it’s crucial to implement daily practices that help you minimize stress. You might try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or participating in calming activities like yoga. 

It’s difficult to overstate the positive impact of learning stress managementit will ultimately help you become more resilient in the face of adversity while boosting your overall quality of life.

3. Get rid of bad habits

Nothing can hinder progress and compromise your well-being quite like bad habits. If you have any habits that aren’t serving you well, start taking steps to remove them. A few common habits to eliminate include:

● Overeating

● Smoking

● Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol

● Engaging in negative self-talk

● Entertaining toxic relationships

Once you identify negative patterns in your life, you can begin taking small steps toward breaking them and replacing them with positive habits.

4. Establish realistic (and challenging) life goals

Living with a stroke brings new challenges, and you must establish realistic life goals that propel you toward self-improvement. Whether it involves learning a new skill, engaging in a hobby, or building better relationships with loved oneshaving a clear path of what you want to achieve can help focus your energy and motivate you toward positive progress.

Here are a few other goals to steer you to self-improvement:

● Cultivate a daily mindfulness practice.

● Develop a regular exercise routine.

● Read more books.

● Start a progress journal.

● Practice gratitude and kindness.

5. Take care of your physical health

Fostering your physical health plays a fundamental role in improving your overall well-being.

Regular physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet, and adequate rest are the three pillars of physical fitness; think of practical changes you can make so that you prioritize each of these.

Managing your physical health will improve your mobility, enhance your mood, and reduce the risk of future health complications, among many other perks.

6. Try a new hobby

Having a hobby is a fantastic way to improve and maintain your overall well-being while boosting your confidence and self-esteem. 

There are countless hobbies worth exploring, such as painting, dancing, reading, or playing games. Hobbies also give you an opportunity to connect with others and make new friends. Find an activity you look forward to, and try to do it every day.

Wrapping Up

Living life after a stroke might seem overwhelming to you, but you can regain independence and genuinely enjoy life by incorporating positive daily habits and a healthy mindset. Remain patient with yourself and keep taking small steps toward self-improvement, trusting that progress and success will come with time. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone — resources and support are available to help you along the way.

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our camps for stroke survivors (and their caregivers)? Visit https://unitedstrokealliance.org/ today!

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?








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Ok, before you say it let me answer it. I have not gone off my rocker by posting a non-stroke related article on a dedicated stroke centered blog. This blog will remain a blog for stroke survivors and their caregivers. 

Harry Cline has been a long time contributor to this blog of articles which in themselves aren't specifically aimed at stroke but they do contain information that can be very useful to families that are affected by stroke.

So for this specific article of his consider this: don't some of you have highschool or college bound children or other relatives or maybe even yourselves who are needing a way to express their talents in this information age? The fact that computers, tablets, cell phones and the like are a huge part of our lives now. Your up and comming youngsters as well as you should be able to take advantage of that.

Here Harry is offering some guidelines and insight into one technology door that is open for anyone with the interest and ability to do something that will benefit them and their family as well. 

There are links included in most of the following paragraphs that expand on the subjects Harry is outlining. Some of these sites want to collect cookies as do most of the sites we visit these days so be aware of that. Neither United Stroke Alliance nor Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp endorse, affilliate with or recieve funds or other benefits from these companies. They are included as reference material only. 

Any questions relating to this article or to the companies referenced should be directed to: Harry Cline at: harry@newcaregiver.org
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Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?

Here’s How

Are you ready for the freedom, flexibility, and adventure of becoming a digital nomad? These days, it’s easier than ever to make this change. With the right skills and knowledge, you can be living your dream life as a digital nomad in no time. Here’s what it takes to become a digital nomad and how to get started.

Harry even included this plug for our camps with his article:

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp offers relaxing and supportive camping trips to stroke survivors and their families. Learn more: 


Develop In-Demand Skills

Before you can start working remotely, you need to develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. This means gaining expertise in areas such as web development, graphic design, content writing, virtual assistant work, or data entry, to name a few.

Research Work Opportunities

Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge, it’s time to research potential work opportunities so that you can find the perfect job or contract that will fit your needs as a digital nomad. You may want to look into freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr or search online job sites like Indeed or Monster.

Prepare a Portfolio

It’s important to create an online portfolio that showcases your skills and experience when applying for remote positions. This could include samples of your work, such as articles you’ve written or websites you’ve designed, as well as references from previous employers who can vouch for your capabilities.

Embrace Technology

To ensure success when working remotely anywhere in the world, it is important to familiarize yourself with remote work technology, such as video conferencing software, cloud storage platforms, project management tools, and other tools used by businesses today.

Find a Home Base

For digital nomads seeking short-term rentals, it can be difficult to find the perfect place. You have to consider location, cost, amenities, and more. Finding accommodations with high-speed internet access is also essential.

There are websites that filter properties so you can find a comfortable and cost-effective living situation. When scouting for potential living options, look for private homes and apartments that offer reliable Wi-Fi. Take your time and explore your options — you'll be sure to find something that meets your unique needs.

Be Realistic About Expenses

If you're considering life as a digital nomad, it's important to have an accurate idea of what your travel and living expenses will be. Start by evaluating the cost of flight tickets, accommodations in different locations, and food and entertainment costs. Research the types of visas required (if applicable) and health insurance premiums, as well as taxes or other fees. Additionally, build in room for miscellaneous costs like communication and transportation charges.

Register as an LLC

If you plan to become a digital nomad, setting yourself up as an LLC can be a smart move. An LLC provides the legal protection of a corporation without the extra costs and paperwork associated with it. Additionally, it allows you to separate your personal assets from your business activities, providing additional financial security. Setting up an LLC also offers more control over how you file taxes and access capital markets, making it a great resource for any digital nomad looking to succeed. A formation service can help you register your
LLC—Google “BestLLCServices.com - is LegalZoom worth it” to learn more.

Pay Taxes

Managing your taxes as a digital nomad can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be. With the right help and research, you can understand how to best work with the tax laws of each jurisdiction that you are working in. Finding an experienced accountant with knowledge in this specific area will make all the difference, as they will be able to provide guidance on organizational strategies
and answer important questions. It's also worth taking a few online courses or getting some reading material on the subject to make sure you're up-to-date with the changing landscape of taxation for digital nomads.

Becoming a digital nomad is an exciting lifestyle change but also one that comes with its own set of challenges. By taking steps like researching work opportunities, finding accommodations, and forming an LLC for your business, you will be well on your way toward achieving success as a digital nomad.


Sunday, January 15, 2023

A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers








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The camping season is rapidly approaching. We will begin our first camp of twenty six total as of this writing in the middle of April. If you've not been to one, the following will give you a brief explanation of what goes on. You will also find links near the top right of this blog explaining what goes on at camp days 1, 2 and 3. We start on a Friday afternoon and finish the following Sunday afternoon. Accommodations are motel/hotel style with meals included. The following information is from our United Stroke Alliance website :

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Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp

A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Family Members

Each year 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 543,000 survive the stroke, many experiencing significant physical limitations and emotional and cognitive challenges. After years of slow recovery, depression and isolation become a normal part of life not only for the survivor but also for the caregiver. Hope and optimism often seem like an unrealistic and distant goal. Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp was created to provide an opportunity for stroke survivors and their caregivers to participate in a camping experience that centers on support, education, socialization and relaxation. The primary mission is to improve the quality of life for survivors and caregivers through an experience that will motivate, inspire and support them.

The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp program was first developed in 2004 by Marylee & John Nunley (Founders) following John’s stroke in 2001. They realized a special need for a program that could help stroke survivors and their caregivers cope with the many challenges of stroke. The mission of this program – is to improve the quality of life for stroke survivors, caregivers, and families through relaxing weekend/retreats. Activities may include, group discussion, speakers, music, games, chair massage, fingernail painting, hand wax dips, dancing, swimming, fishing and craft projects to stimulate the body, mind and spirit!

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Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Stroke Prevention. What is a stroke?






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The following information is from our United Stroke Alliance website:

https://unitedstrokealliance.org

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Stroke Prevention
What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleed of the blood vessels either interrupts or reduces the supply of blood to the brain. When this happens, the brain does not receive enough oxygen or nutrients, and brain cells start to die. This is a medical emergency. Although many strokes are treatable, some can lead to disability or death.

Primary Prevention

Possible underlying causes of stroke. If people are able, they can achieve minimizing the risk of stroke by making life style changes as listed below:

1. Eating a healthful diet that includes
    fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds
    and legumes.
2. Maintaining a moderate weight and avoiding
    overweight and obesity.
3. Exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
4. Avoiding the use of tobacco products
5. Minimizing the use of alcohol and only
    drinking at moderation levels
6. Controlling hypertension
7. Managing diabetes
8. Marinating acceptable cholesterol levels
9. Abstaining from the use of illicit drugs

Secondary Stroke Prevention

In approximately 25% of the strokes each year, the cause of the stroke is unknown. In many of these cases, Atrial Fibrillation or AFB is indicated in patient. Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. Signs include dizziness, weakness, and fatigue. Treatment involves medication and lifestyle changes, and sometimes procedures such as cardioversion, ablation, pacemakers, or surgery. (WEBMD) Cardiac diagnostics and monitoring could be helpful in minimizing the risk of a secondary stroke.

In other cases where the cause of the stroke is unknown, there is the possibility of a PFO. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. This hole exists in everyone before birth, but most often closes shortly after being born. PFO is what the hole is called when it fails to close naturally after a baby is born. A foramen ovale allows blood to go around the lungs. It has been hypothesized that many cryptogenic strokes are caused by small emboli that travel from the legs to the right atrium; during straining (such as a Valsalva maneuver) these emboli can go across a PFO into the left atrium and then travel to the brain, producing a stroke.

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