tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50047803009305411492024-03-05T15:13:00.134-06:00Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp BlogIt's all about being yourself and embracing life again when stroke works overtime...
Stroke survivors and caregivers need a break from the stress of everyday life. They even need a break from each other! We know that survivors need to engage with other survivors. Caregivers need the same outlet. Our three-day weekend camps blend all the essential ingredients of what "normal" folks enjoy.Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.comBlogger477125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-30155272166068537072023-08-10T14:44:00.006-05:002023-08-10T15:02:40.757-05:006 Simple Self-Improvement Tips for Stroke Survivors<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">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. <br /><br />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.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">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. <br /><br />Any questions relating to this article or to the companies referenced should be directed to: Harry Cline at: harry@newcaregiver.org</span><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b9bd9c0-7fff-50f4-32a5-4fdff31c40a3"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 416px; overflow: hidden; width: 624px;"><img height="416" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ox5X2y_4Zq575Kuifrz6ieUo2mSVDbu75pdSaBHD04bUWJb_DGdKMnfDi-tgvfkf6FDl4UQsbjCefIdykZjq4PQvOKxtdoZtYD6WKHCEedhMtL6PHY5Ml83CTbR_-nMUowhpDFu8F_Pe1fv01FT6cQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="624" /></span></span></span><b><br /></b></span><div><span><b>Image via Freepik</b></span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">6 Simple Self-Improvement Tips for Stroke Survivors</span></b><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>No one needs to tell you how challenging life after a stroke can be, and it can take time to adjust </span><span>to new limitations and find your feet again. But by exercising the right mindset and incorporating </span><span>healthy habits, you can begin to restore your independence and enjoy your life to the fullest.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Below, <b><a href="https://strokecamp.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</a> </b>shares six tips for capturing self-improvement after </span><span>suffering a stroke. From building positive relationships to finding a new hobby, these tactics will </span><span>help you improve your overall well-being, boost your confidence, and put you on the road to </span><span>fulfilling your life goals.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Hang out with positive people</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Surrounding yourself with uplifting and inspiring people can yield significant benefits for your </span><span>mental health and help you maintain a positive outlook on life. It can also do wonders for your </span><span>mood and confidence levels. Find people who share similar interests, join clubs, and explore </span><span>online communities.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Hosting get-togethers with good people at your home is a fantastic way to create lasting </span><span>memories and strengthen bonds. You can make your events even more special by using an </span><span>online invitation maker </span><b>(<a href="https://www.adobe.com/express/create/invitation" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you may consider this option</a></b><span><b> )</b> </span><span>to create beautiful invitations. With a wide </span><span>range of templates and customization options available, you can design invitations that reflect </span><span>the theme and ambience of your gathering. Make your next event one to remember!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Lower your stress levels</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Because it can have such a negative impact on your physical and mental well-being, it’s crucial </span><span>to implement daily practices that help you minimize stress. You might try meditation, deep </span><span>breathing exercises, or participating in calming activities like yoga. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>It’s difficult to overstate the </span><span>positive </span><a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-to-relieve-stress-a-6-step-plan-to-feeling-good" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>impact of learning stress management</b></a>; <span>it will ultimately help you become more resilient </span><span>in the face of adversity while boosting your overall quality of life.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Get rid of bad habits</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Nothing can hinder progress and compromise your well-being quite like bad habits. If you have </span><span>any habits that aren’t serving you well, start </span><a href="https://www.behealthful.io/blog/unhealthy-habits-everyone-should-quit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>taking steps to remove them</b></a><span>. A few common habits </span><span>to eliminate include:</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Overeating</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Smoking</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Engaging in negative self-talk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Entertaining toxic relationships</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Once you identify negative patterns in your life, you can begin taking small steps toward </span><span>breaking them and replacing them with positive habits.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Establish realistic (and challenging) life goals</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Living with a stroke brings new challenges, and you must establish realistic life goals that propel </span><span>you toward self-improvement. Whether it involves learning a new skill, engaging in a hobby, or </span><span>building </span><a href="https://healthiersteps.com/8-tips-for-building-healthy-family-relationships/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>better relationships with loved ones</b></a>, <span>having a clear path of what you want to achieve </span><span>can help focus your energy and motivate you toward positive progress.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few other goals to steer you to self-improvement:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Cultivate a daily mindfulness practice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Develop <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/fitness/art-20048269" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>a regular exercise routine</b></a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Read more books.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Start a progress journal.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Practice gratitude and kindness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Take care of your physical health</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Fostering your physical health plays a fundamental role in improving your overall well-being.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Regular physical activity, a balanced and nutritious diet, and adequate rest are the three pillars </span><span>of physical fitness; think of practical changes you can make so that you prioritize each of these.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Managing your physical health will improve your mobility, enhance your mood, and</span><span> </span><a href="https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-food-impact-health" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>reduce the risk of future health complications</b></a>, among many other perks.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Try a new hobby</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Having a hobby is a fantastic way to improve and maintain your overall well-being while </span><span>boosting your confidence and self-esteem. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>There are countless hobbies worth exploring, such </span><span>as painting, dancing, reading, or playing games. Hobbies also give you </span><a href="https://healthnews.com/family-health/healthy-living/how-having-a-hobby-benefits-your-health/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>an opportunity to connect with others</b></a><span> and make new friends. Find an activity you look forward to, and try to do it </span><span>every day.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wrapping Up</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Living life after a stroke might seem overwhelming to you, but you can regain independence and </span><span>genuinely enjoy life by incorporating positive daily habits and a healthy mindset. Remain patient </span><span>with yourself and keep taking small steps toward self-improvement, trusting that progress and </span><span>success will come with time. Most importantly, remember that you’re not alone — resources and </span><span>support are available to help you along the way.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our camps for stroke survivors (and </span><span>their caregivers)? Visit <a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org/"><b>https://unitedstrokealliance.org/</b></a> today!</span></span></p></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-69522519391001679002023-01-31T20:15:00.009-06:002023-01-31T20:42:13.108-06:00Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">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. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Any questions relating to this article or to the companies referenced should be directed to: </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Harry Cline at: harry@newcaregiver.org</span></b></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div><div><span style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>Ready to Embrace the Life of a Digital Nomad?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here’s How</b><br /><br />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.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Harry even included this plug for our camps with his article:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp offers relaxing and supportive camping trips to stroke survivors and their families. Learn more: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span> <a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance</a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org/our-programs/stroke-camp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</a></div><br /><b>Develop In-Demand Skills</b><br /><br />Before you can start working remotely, you need to develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. <a href="https://blog.xolo.io/freelancing-skills-that-are-in-high-demand" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This means gaining expertise in areas</a> such as web development, graphic design, content writing, virtual assistant work, or data entry, to name a few.<br /><br /><b>Research Work Opportunities</b><br /><br />Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge, it’s time to <a href="https://www.workforimpact.com/blog/how-to-find-freelance-jobs-that-align-with-your-values" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">research potential work opportunities</a> 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.<br /><br /><b>Prepare a Portfolio</b><br /><br />It’s important to create an online portfolio that showcases your skills and experience when applying for remote positions. This could <a href="https://www.pixpa.com/blog/freelancer-portfolio" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">include samples of your work</a>, such as articles you’ve written or websites you’ve designed, as well as references from previous employers who can vouch for your capabilities.<br /><br /><b>Embrace Technology</b><br /><br />To ensure success when working remotely anywhere in the world, it is important to <a href="https://resources.owllabs.com/blog/remote-working-technology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">familiarize yourself with remote work technology</a>, such as video conferencing software, cloud storage platforms, project management tools, and other tools used by businesses today.<br /><br /><b>Find a Home Base</b><br /><br />For digital nomads <a href="https://www.common.com/blog/2021/03/tips-on-how-to-find-short-term-rentals/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seeking short-term rentals</a>, 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><b>Be Realistic About Expenses</b><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><b>Register as an LLC</b><br /><br />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<br />LLC—Google “<a href="https://bestllcservices.com/legalzoom-llc-services-review/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BestLLCServices.com - is LegalZoom worth it</a>” to learn more.<br /><br /><b>Pay Taxes</b><br /><br />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<br />and answer important questions. It's also worth taking a few online courses or getting some reading material on the subject to <a href="https://www.wealthrocket.com/taxes/how-to-do-taxes-freelancer-usa/#:~:text=As%20a%20freelancer%2C%20gig%20worker%2C%20or%20independent%20contractor%2C%20you,deadline%20is%20April%2015%2C%202021." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">make sure you're up-to-date</a> with the changing landscape of taxation for digital nomads.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwTCG97jws1PnNz634yldbxrG5__HA9bm1w4KVOZ-3yv5WEFaxgyXPrcLbpEHE8-AxgDTWoDp1utctMMpoewWiBW0_EoLx9XGaREOXOS-0cm8wiMc1bHBltzm5OxT1rmcbxfA5q0FL1ZUbdMA0hdoVTLzUdn5UFG3JliBkw2WfvupKXyjHWGLw8qqLbw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="619" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwTCG97jws1PnNz634yldbxrG5__HA9bm1w4KVOZ-3yv5WEFaxgyXPrcLbpEHE8-AxgDTWoDp1utctMMpoewWiBW0_EoLx9XGaREOXOS-0cm8wiMc1bHBltzm5OxT1rmcbxfA5q0FL1ZUbdMA0hdoVTLzUdn5UFG3JliBkw2WfvupKXyjHWGLw8qqLbw" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-37760035964371291052023-01-15T23:00:00.003-06:002023-01-15T23:00:00.225-06:00A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">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 :</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unitedstrokealliance.org/</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><h1 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #85439a; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 2.5rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</h1><h2 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #007aff; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">A Camping Experience for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Family Members</h2><div class="row align-items-center" style="--gutter-x: 1em; --gutter-y: 0; -webkit-box-align: center !important; align-items: center !important; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #22262a; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; margin-left: calc(var(--gutter-x)*-0.5); margin-right: calc(var(--gutter-x)*-0.5); margin-top: calc(var(--gutter-y)*-1);"><div class="col-md mb-3" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 0 0%; margin-bottom: 1rem !important; margin-top: var(--gutter-y); max-width: 100%; padding-left: calc(var(--gutter-x)*0.5); padding-right: calc(var(--gutter-x)*0.5); width: 668px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">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!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-6408387754875214382023-01-11T18:23:00.000-06:002023-01-11T18:23:15.421-06:00Stroke Prevention. What is a stroke?<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><p><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">**************************************************************</b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">The following information is from our United Stroke Alliance website:</b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://unitedstrokealliance.org</a></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">**************************************************************</b></p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stroke Prevention<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is a stroke?</span></span></h1><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">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.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Primary Prevention</span></span></h1></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Possible underlying causes of stroke. If people are able, they can achieve minimizing </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">the risk of stroke by making life style changes </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">as listed below: </span></div></div></blockquote><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />1. Eating a healthful diet that includes<br /> fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> and legumes.</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2. Maintaining a moderate weight and avoiding<br /></span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> overweight and obesity.<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">3. Exercising and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">4. Avoiding the use of tobacco products<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">5. Minimizing the use of alcohol and only</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> drinking </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">at moderation levels<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">6. Controlling hypertension<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">7. Managing diabetes<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">8. Marinating acceptable cholesterol levels<br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">9. Abstaining from the use of illicit drugs</span></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Secondary Stroke Prevention</span></h1></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">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.</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">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.</span></div></blockquote><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #22262a; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: x-large;">**************************************************************<br /></b></p></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-18008445904660545742022-12-19T14:06:00.001-06:002022-12-19T14:09:46.733-06:00<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><p><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">**************************************************************</b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have visited our United Stroke Alliance or Stroke Camp web sites recently you will have noticed a significant change in them. We have partnered with a different web development company to help us keep up with technology and provide support in a timely manner with reasonable cost.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are working to make sure everything gets transferred to the new websites in an orderly and timely manner. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you notice anything missing that you liked to see in the new sites please let us know by </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">calling 1-309-688-5450 or emailing </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">info@unitedstrokealliance.org</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">If there is anything you'd like to see posted in this blog please let us know that too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://unitedstrokealliance.org/">https://unitedstrokealliance.org/</a></span></p><p><a href="https://strokecamp.org/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://strokecamp.org/</span></a></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">**************************************************************</b></p>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-63430164720392883752022-06-26T13:06:00.006-05:002022-06-28T06:11:55.179-05:007 Ways Caregivers Can Take Time To Care for Themselves<div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************<br /></b><div><span style="font-size: large;">This article is by Harry Cline. His website is <a href="http://Newcaregiver.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newcaregiver.org</a>. The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource: Advice, Tips, and Solutions from Around the Web. He has put together an article for new caregivers on the all-important topic of self-care. </span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;">7 Ways Caregivers Can Take Time</b></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To Care for Themselves</b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Being a full-time caregiver is an emotionally and physically taxing</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">job. People with that level of selflessness often find it hard to take time for self-care, but they must. Consider these seven easy ways, shared below by </span><a href="https://strokecamp.org/" style="font-size: x-large;">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</a><span style="font-size: large;">, that you can take care of yourself while you take care of others.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Get Some Exercise</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Exercise is the easiest thing to throw away when you're short on free time. However, it's a necessity for your physical and mental health. You don't need several hours a day and a gym membership to get in some exercise. Simply take the stairs rather than the elevator or go for a</span> <span style="font-size: large;">brief walk during the day when you have a break. Even 15 minutes in the sunlight can change your overall mood.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Prioritize Nutrition</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to grab something processed and unhealthy when you're on the move. Fast food is a quick fix that allows you to get right back to work quickly. However, these options offer little to no</span> <span style="font-size: large;">nutritional value If you want to keep your energy up. Take some time on the weekend to plan your snacks and meals for the week. You can still grab a burger every now and then, but you'll feel better overall with a well-balanced diet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Meditate to Reduce Stress</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Caregiving is a stressful job. You need an outlet to help you reduce stress daily. Research shows that meditation improves brain health and lowers cortisol levels when practiced regularly. Incorporate a few minutes of meditation into your morning every day to help reduce stress.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Spend Time With Loved Ones</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Use your free time to nurture your relationships with the ones you love. This can be difficult for an introvert, but everyone needs community in their lives. Spending time with your loved ones will make you feel more connected to the world outside of your caregiving position.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Take Up a Relaxing Hobby</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hobbies are a great way to relax when you have a high-stress job. Think about something that you love to do and start investing more time into that hobby. Knitting, puzzles, yoga, baking, cooking, painting, and dancing are all excellent hobbies that produce more endorphins and eliminate stress. If you enjoy being outside, gardening has many benefits. You can soak up vitamin D, get some exercise, and grow nutritious foods to add to your diet.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6. Take a Short Trip</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Allow yourself a weekend getaway every now and then. If you prefer some alone time, take a spa trip or go to your favorite beach location. If you want to create some quality memories with your family, take them along with you. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7. Appreciate the Simple Things</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to appreciate the simple things in life that can bring you joy. For a book lover, taking the time to sit down and read a good book can rejuvenate the mind. Slow down and take a bubble bath when you have a chance. It's a great way to relax. Take the time to cook a delicious meal and enjoy the finished product. You can find peace in the small joys.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Keep in mind that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. Keep these tips with you to use when you start to feel burnt out or tired. It's okay to stop and help yourself when you're in need as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Harry Cline's email address: </span><a href="mailto:info@newcaregiver.org" style="font-size: x-large;">info@newcaregiver.org</a><br /><br /><br /></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-11947158272736765652022-06-14T12:27:00.002-05:002022-06-28T15:10:31.068-05:00United Stroke Alliance Videos<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>This blog post contains many of the videos we have placed on our United Stroke Alliance Facebook page that I think the general public will find interesting and, hopefully, useful. Stroke awareness and prevention is United Stroke Alliance's main goal. You may visit our webpage at <a href="https://www.unitedstrokealliance.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.unitedstrokealliance.org</a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The </span><span>United Stroke Alliance </span><span>Facebook group page is open to, dedicated to and limited to stroke survivors and their caregivers. All requests to join will be monitored by the </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>United Stroke Alliance Facebook</span><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">group administrator. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I will be adding more videos to this blog as they are posted on the </span><span>United Stroke Alliance </span><span>Facebook page so visit the Archive link often. New videos will be added to the top of this blog post so you won't have to scroll down to find them. Currently we no longer have Facebook videos available on Facebook that are older than 30 days.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Any comments for this blog post will be appreciated, however, keep in mind, all comments are monitored before they are published. One important warning: To prevent spammers, imbedding links in your comment will result in your comment being rejected.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Videos are best displayed in full screen mode. On most devices, tapping or clicking on the video image will enlarge it a bit and display a small square in the bottom right corner of the image. Tapping or clicking on that small square should fill the entire screen with the video image. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tai Chi from a chair. Demonstrated by OSF Saint Francis Hospital students!</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://youtu.be/XP25bzvvWiM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tai Chi from a chair.</a> 27 minute video</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div></span><div><b>Ziplining at night at camp.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/jAcVG4KGbqw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zipline at Night at Stroke Camp</a> <b> </b>3 minute video</div><div><br /></div></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div><b>Stroke survivors ziplining at camp.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/IKxzqpmDlQQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke survivors ziplining at camp</a><b> </b>8 minute video</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>*******************************************************</div><b>Marylee talks about how Amazon and Google devices can make life easier and more entertaining. </b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/59XcJyM_MBw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon and Google Devices</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://youtu.be/59XcJyM_MBw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a> 28 minute video</span></div><div><div><span face="Segoe UI Historic, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Marylee and her grand kids are discussing ways to de-clutter the house. Part 1 of 2</span></b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTSwzhtD23k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marylee on DeCluttering Part 1 of 2</a> 42 minute video</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Marylee and her grand kids are discussing ways to de-clutter the house. Part 2 of 2</span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmhtkX1s9fA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marylee on DeCluttering Part 2 of 2</a> 17 minute video</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>*******************************************************</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheri and Kelly Show you how to Tye Dye Stuff.</span></b></div></span></b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNimh-5ZV-k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cheri Kelly Tye Dye</a> 23 minute video</span></span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Marylee shows how to liven up your baseball party with special baseball themed treats.</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmyMbmUTLRo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marylee's Baseball Treats</a> 23 minute video</span></p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Marylee talks about her experience with Aphasia in stroke survivors.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq39je5OTZQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Experience With Aphasia</a> 30 minute video</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Marylee and CT Gabbert discuss home safety ideas for stroke survivors.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FexXuXbSaQ0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Safety Ideas</a> 36 minute video</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Marylee's 17 year old granddaughter has trained leader dogs for blind people and intends to train more. She tells her experiences in this video.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEo2RCmKzo0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fostering Leader Dogs</a> 19 minute video </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Katie Lemkemann, trained chef and registered nurse at St. Francis Medical </b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Center, Peoria, Illinois, presents some summer time fun cooking </b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>garden fresh creations.</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMZ-R-R9nig" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Summer Time Fun Cooking</a> 15 minute video</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">*******************************************************</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Marylee interviews four PT and OT OSF St. Francis graduates on stroke therapy as they emphasize how important it is to not give up on therapy.</b></span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8jd7VXP-6U" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Give Up on Therapy.</a> 29 minute video</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">*******************************************************</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-88168299468066617762022-04-12T12:40:00.000-05:002022-04-12T12:41:59.240-05:00VOLUNTEER STORY: JEAN CARLSON<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">VOLUNTEER STORY: JEAN CARLSON </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jean Carlson | Staff Volunteer United Stroke Alliance </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Well they say the Lord works in mysterious ways, and he did just that for me! Hi everyone, my name is Jean Carlson. In 2006 my cousin Heather had a stroke. A good friend of mine, Cheri told me about this stroke camp retreat weekend I should take her to. So that’s exactly what I did. In 2008 I signed us up and we went to camp! Having no idea what camp entailed, we were off to see what it was all about being both nervous and excited to go. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Little did I know how much fun I would have that weekend. We went for 2 years in a row and then I became a mother to a sweet little girl. So I took some time off and decided I wanted to go back and be a volunteer for a camp this time. So, I did just that. Such a humbling and emotional experience for me. I then knew this was my passion and I was exactly where I needed to be. So, I continued volunteering and a few years later I had a sweet little boy so I took a bit more time off. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Which leads me to 2017 where I was ready to come back being a volunteer once again, but little did I know I would be asked to become Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp staff. Through the grace of God and my amazing family, I have found my calling with this wonderful organization. Stroke Camp is very near and dear to my heart and I absolutely love meeting so many people and listening to their stories. We laugh, we cry (everyone who knows me knows I cry at camp all weekend), we get frustrated, happy, and sad all together in that weekend. We have this special bond that no one can take away from us. I love for stroke survivors to see that they aren’t alone in this world and to give them the passion to never give up and keep fighting every single day to get better. As we get ready to kick off this season of camps, I can’t wait to meet my new campers and my returning campers! I’m so very blessed by you all!</span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-12209991357887265702022-01-02T22:00:00.001-06:002022-01-02T22:00:00.186-06:00Stroke Survivor Story<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>This story is currently posted on our United Stroke Alliance web site, https://www.unitedstrokealliance.org . I'm posting it here because many of you may not know that the above web site is there for you to visit. There is a wealth of knowledge there about us and what we do to spread the word about stroke prevention and recovery that you should learn about.</i><br /></span><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><b>*****************************************************************</b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mike Gamble - Stroke Survivor Story (Arizona)</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SC: How did your stroke affect you? </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">MG: I didn’t know what went on. I woke up one morning and everything went haywire. My wife said I ended up on the floor, they flew me by helicopter down to [the hospital]. I had a brain aneurysm, and I had a 10-hour operation on my brain. [My doctor] told me nine out of ten guys that have this procedure don’t make it. So that’s why I’m happy to be here. Well, I was four months in a coma, and after the coma they put me into a rehab center. So my whole right side was affected. Then they came in and said to me, “There’s no more money, the insurance company won’t pay any more.” At that point I was finished with rehab. I didn’t have much rehab in the first place because every time I tried to do rehab I’d get dizzy, I’d get sick. It was seven months before I got back home.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SC: What do you want people who have had a stroke to know?</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">MG: I want to make sure people know that when you have a stroke and you are a stroke survivor, there is life after stroke. You got to get in with a good group. Our [stroke support] group is a big family. Our group is fabulous. We’re constantly on the phone checking with each other. If one of us goes to the hospital we get in there to see if anybody needs anything, just like family. So I want everybody to know that there is life after stroke.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The other thing is, you’ll never be the same, so get used to a new normal. Figure out what your new normal is. With the help of the group, it’s easy. You met [the music therapist at camp]. She is the greatest gal, she’s our music director. We have a great time in music. We write songs and we play them and sing them, and [the music therapist] has a thousand songs. She does a great job. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And I do dancing. Even in a wheelchair, I do dancing. I do aqua therapy in the swimming pool, where I walk the length of the pool holding onto the bars. And I can do small things around the house.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These are the things that you need to understand that are available after stroke. As Dr. Patrick told me, “You got to keep trying, keep fighting.” And that’s so true. Yes, I can give up and go to my bed and just hang in my bed all day, but it would get me nothing. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SC: What was your greatest accomplishment since your stroke? </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">MG: My greatest accomplishment? I think it’s still happening. It’s day-to-day living. It’s pushing and progressing every single day. There are some days that I don’t progress. I have good days, I have bad days, and I have worse days. But you got to get up and keep going. You can’t let it get you down. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I can take very few steps, I can walk with my walker a little, but my whole right side has no feeling. My fingers wouldn’t even work. So I just kept pulling them out and then closing them down, pulling them out and closing them down. You do that a couple hundred times they get smart enough to work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">They told me when they released me out of rehab, “You’re not going to get any more than you got. Don’t expect anything more than what you have right now. Your right side will never regenerate; it will never come back.” Well that’s B.S. It’s coming back, it’s coming back.</span><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-16004994943346257222021-12-23T09:00:00.001-06:002021-12-23T09:21:58.772-06:00Eating Right After 60<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The following information is provided by Harry Cline creator of <a href="http://newcaregiver.org/about/">NewCaregiver.org </a> The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource offers advice, tips, and solutions from around the web.<br /><br />Harry Cline is also an author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.</i></span><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTABuPT4NSSP4U_mnSBFhT1QRiCRk5xqGUGldgdEyy-kDb1Mo8429l4aoRUqDUztsDL_TNs5rSqo9D4JfymhbHW6pyAIT5kkqZg6wQkToNfNd9yVyxbk_tBl2BRjN56vspMIrgSRV1Qjr2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTABuPT4NSSP4U_mnSBFhT1QRiCRk5xqGUGldgdEyy-kDb1Mo8429l4aoRUqDUztsDL_TNs5rSqo9D4JfymhbHW6pyAIT5kkqZg6wQkToNfNd9yVyxbk_tBl2BRjN56vspMIrgSRV1Qjr2/w320-h320/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Eating Right After 60: What Seniors Should Know About Nutrition</span></b>
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You may be less concerned with your figure at 60 than you were at 30,
but eating a balanced diet is just as important as ever. A healthy
diet keeps your weight down, your energy up, and your immune system
strong as you grow older. Without it, you may struggle to accomplish
everything you want to do in retirement.</span></p>
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Despite the importance of senior nutrition, many older adults aren’t
well-educated on what a healthy diet looks like. That’s where this
guide comes in. <a href="https://www.unitedstrokealliance.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance</a> and Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp hope the information below
will help you plan a healthy, affordable diet that meets your
nutritional needs in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.</span></p><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">How Your Body Changes with Age</span></b>
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For the most part, healthy eating looks the same at every age.
However, older adults’ bodies undergo certain changes affecting
their nutritional needs, such as:</span></p>
<ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Metabolism changes:</b> As older adults lose muscle mass and
become less active, their metabolism slows. As a result, seniors
need fewer calories to maintain their weight. If you’re eating
less, it’s even more important to choose nutrient-dense foods.</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Digestive changes:</b> Aging affects the <a href="https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/01/bacteria-your-gut-may-reveal-your-true-age" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>gut
microbiome</u></span></a>, and these changes can affect your body’s
ability to digest food properly. This can lead to nutrient
deficiencies, particularly deficiencies of folic acid and vitamins
B6 and B12, as well as digestive ailments like constipation and
gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Appetite changes:</b> As you get older, you may notice you’re
not as hungry as you once were. Appetite loss may be caused by a
loss of taste or smell, medication side effects, or changes to a
senior’s emotional health. Seniors with appetite loss are at risk
of <a href="https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/nutrition-recipes/senior-malnutrition-how-to-feed-a-poor-appetite"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>malnutrition</u></span></a>.</span></p></li></ul>
<p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
If you’ve noticed changes to your digestive health, are
experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, or are struggling to
eat due to low appetite, talk to your doctor. Seniors with diabetes
or chronic kidney disease can receive <a href="https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2019/medicare-nutrition-counseling-benefit.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>no-cost
nutritional therapy</u></span></a> at their primary care doctor’s
recommendation. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be
eligible for a wellness program regardless of your health status.
However, while many Medicare Advantage plans provide wellness
benefits, not all do. Check your coverage to be sure you’re making
the most of your health plan.</span></p><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Maximizing Senior Nutrition on a Budget</span></b></p><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Planning a high-nutrient, low-calorie diet is harder than it sounds.
Add budget limitations to the mix, and it’s not hard to see why
seniors get frustrated by meal planning. Use these tips to simplify
meal time so you get the nutrition you need minus the stress:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Eat fruits and vegetables daily, but not always the same ones.
Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables in <a href="https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/how-eat-rainbow"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>different
colors</u></span></a> to get the widest range of nutrients. If fresh
food is too expensive, frozen fruits and vegetables and unsweetened
canned or dried fruit are great budget-friendly alternatives.</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Opt for <a href="https://bostonheartdiagnostics.com/is-full-fat-dairy-better-or-worse-than-low-fat-dairy/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>low-fat
dairy</u></span></a> fortified with calcium and vitamin D to get
these important nutrients without the calories of full-fat dairy.</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
If you work from home, make sure you set aside some time to <a href="https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/food/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>prep
healthy meals</u></span></a> instead of relying on food delivery
services like GrubHub.
</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Make water your beverage of choice, avoiding sweetened beverages
which are calorie-dense with little nutritional value. If you don’t
like the taste of your tap water, a <a href="https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/water-filter-buying-guide"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>water
filter</u></span></a> is an economical alternative to buying bottled
water.</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Get more of your protein from beans. In addition to being a cheap
source of protein, which many seniors don’t get enough of, beans
are also high in dietary fiber. Some people experience
gastrointestinal symptoms when <a href="https://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/meals-from-canned-bean"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>eating
beans</u></span></a>, but this can be mitigated by introducing beans
to your diet gradually. Other inexpensive protein sources include
eggs, canned tuna, cottage cheese, quinoa, and chicken thighs.</span></p>
</li><li><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Take a B12 supplement. Even with a balanced diet, many seniors don’t
get enough vitamin B12. While eating dairy, eggs, lean protein, and
other animal-based foods help you get vitamin B12, you may need a
<a href="https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/11/more-doctors-recommend-b12-for-healthy-senior-minds/"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>dietary
supplement</u></span></a> to ensure you’re getting enough.</span></p></li></ul>
<p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">
Nutrition is only one part of healthy aging, but it is an important
one. If you’re facing an obstacle that’s keeping you from eating
well, whether it’s a lack of appetite, a low budget, or just old
habits, talk to your doctor. With the right nutritional guidance, you
can adopt a diet that keeps you healthy for life.</span></p><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></p><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blog editors note (suggestions from the internet):</b></span></p><p align="left" style="break-after: auto; break-before: auto; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; page-break-after: auto; page-break-before: auto; widows: 2;"><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How do you make soft food for those who find it hard to swallow?</b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS741US741&output=search&tbm=isch&q=How+do+you+make+soft+food+for+the+elderly?&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=pSnG8BEvGzVowM%252CXg41CixEO159HM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kRQBbLBWAvBj_SwO7GuqgiHLEq6Mw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi6ss2ymPr0AhXdjYkEHS3cBIwQ9QF6BAgHEAE#imgrc=pSnG8BEvGzVowM"><br /></a><br /></span></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use milk, cream, or broth to mash vegetables like potatoes, yams, squash or carrots. Blend banana, melon, or frozen fruit into milkshakes or smoothies. Use gravy, broth or sauce to moisten meat, poultry or fish. Use cheese sauce to moisten vegetables, noodles or rice.</span></div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>What to cook for someone who has trouble swallowing?</b><br /></span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those types of foods include cereals softened in milk, ground meat softened in sauce, cooked fruits and vegetables without skins or seeds, fish and casseroles. Severe dysphagia may require pureed food. “It's a pudding-like texture that's easier to hold in the mouth and swallow,”</span></div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Cottage cheese, yogurt, custard, pudding, cream cheese, ricotta cheese and other soft cheeses are all relatively easy and safe to swallow. You should, however, avoid pieces of hard cheeses, like cubes of cheddar or Swiss cheese, and any product that has added nuts, seeds or granola, such as certain varieties of yogurt.<br /><br />Try canned fruit and cooked vegetables. Fruits or vegetables with tough skins or seeds such as pears, nectarines, apples, cherries, apricots, tomatoes, peas, corn, blackberries, raspberries. Try soft peeled, canned or strained fruit and cooked mashed vegetables.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What are the best soft foods to eat?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Here are some great go-to's that are actually satisfying:<br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Smoothies and shakes.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Yogurt, pudding and ice cream.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Avocado.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Smooth soups, or those with very soft chunks.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Mashed potatoes, or a soft baked potato without the skin.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Cooked fruits, like applesauce.</span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Ripe fruits, like bananas or peaches without the skin.</span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><div>
<p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Image
via <a href="https://www.rawpixel.com/image/83212/free-photo-image-cooking-chef-activity"><span style="color: #1155cc;"><u>Rawpixel</u></span></a></p><br /><p></p></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-60531403729810662021-11-16T17:33:00.000-06:002021-11-16T17:33:42.908-06:00Thanksgiving Tablescapes with Kelly<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>For this week and next you have access to Kelly's video where she shows you how to make Fall and Thanksgiving Tablescapes. Just click the link below and enjoy the show.<br /></b></span><p> <a href="https://youtu.be/e4tVEGoapGU"><span style="font-size: large;">https://youtu.be/e4tVEGoapGU</span></a></p><p><br /></p></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-40482417930961032022021-10-24T22:00:00.016-05:002021-10-24T22:00:00.194-05:00Are You Living Victoriously - By Phil Bell, retired, pastor<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Street & Steeple</span></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">Are You Living Victoriously?</b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></p><span style="font-size: large;">By Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church<br /><br />What is your response when someone asks, “How are you?” I’ve heard all kinds of things from, ”Great!” to “Hang’n in there.” My usual response before my stroke was “wonderful.” Since then I’ve seen no reason to change it! <br /><br />A good friend of mine always responds to that question with “Blessed” and I know that’s how he considers himself. For us Jesus followers there is no reason to respond any way but positively and victoriously. In John 10 Jesus tells us He came so that we might have life and have itabundantly! <br /><br />What I consider my life verse is found in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome. Romans 8:37 follows his list of things which could separate us from Christ’s love, but don’t. In verse 37 he writes, “But in all these things we are overwhelming conquerors through Christ who loved us.” <br /><br />Indeed, though, due to the stroke, I am paralyzed on my entire left side, negating the ability to walk, my victorious life includes the ability to do my own grooming every day, take a shower regularly, and live at home, rather than in a long term care facility, thanks to my angelic wife, Nancy! </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, thanks to my motorized wheelchair and ramp van I can go wherever it’s wise to go and Nancy will take me, including to the grocery store, Walmart, church and to my weekly Rotary meetings, Also I’m cognitively able to write these articles every so often! For me, that’s living an abundant life, victoriously! <br /><br />After my stroke Satan lied to me, telling me my ministry and enjoyable life had ended, but he lied about both! I enjoy my life now thoroughly. <br /><br />You may tell me I don’t know what you’re going through or I wouldn’t ask you to live victoriously. Indeed I don’t, but, whatever your situation I know you can be living victoriously, which means living an enjoyable life in which you are positively impacting the lives of others. With God’s help you can absolutely do so! The alternative is barely getting through one day to the next, waiting for death to put you out of your misery. That is no way for anyone to live! <br /><br />First, I ask, “Do you know God personally?” Next, I ask again, “Are you living victoriously?” <br /><br />- Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church</span></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-62997882589638348572021-10-17T15:41:00.001-05:002021-10-17T15:41:28.792-05:00Fall decorations with Kelly<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><p>This week I'm going to be lazy and let YouTube do all the work for me.</p><p>The two links below are a couple that our gracious volunteer Kelly made for us.</p><p>She is going to show you how to make some clever fall decorations.</p><p>We make three or four videos a week on various topics and post them on our Facebook page.</p><p>Many of this blog's viewers do not have access to that Facebook page because we limit it to stroke survivors, their caregivers, our volunteers, and medical teams. </p><p>As you can see in these videos, we try to present some fun things along with the serious.</p><p>In the future I will post videos that deal with stroke as well as the fun ones such as you see here. This way those of you who do not have access to the Facebook page will be able to enjoy some of the things we share with stroke survivors and care givers. </p><p>Fall decorations with Kelly: <a href="https://youtu.be/scb7VgDOfJA">https://youtu.be/scb7VgDOfJA</a></p><p>More Fall decorations with Kelly: <a href="https://youtu.be/2gSXXMzUo4E">https://youtu.be/2gSXXMzUo4E</a></p><p><br /></p>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-10315363514843215822021-08-22T22:00:00.002-05:002021-10-17T15:42:25.789-05:00Family Stroke Camp<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">The following is an email that one of our Stroke Camp stroke survivors, John Kindschuh, sent us. He does an excellent job describing what all of our camp attendees experience and enjoy. I want to share it with you in case you have been thinking about joining us sometime but were not quite sure what we are all about, and let him show some of the things available at our camps. In his article John is referring to the family camp is unique in that we include children. So far we do a family camp only in Illinois. Our other camps around the country are for adults only. </span></i></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b> </p><b>From: </b>John Kindschuh <br /><b>Date:</b> August 18, 2021 at 4:41:45 PM CDT<br /><b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:marylee@strokecamp.org">marylee@strokecamp.org</a><br /><br /><b>Subject: Re: Newsletter: Stroke Camp</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I hope that you all are well. Unlike last year, we were able to take a few family vacations this summer, and one of those vacations was to experience the Family Stroke Camp in northern Illinois.</span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">I. Background</b><br /><br /><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am so grateful that we attended Stroke Camp this year. The retreatants, caregivers, volunteers, and coordinators are exceedingly understanding to those of us with disabilities; I wish that all members of our society would treat me with respect. I cannot say enough good things about Stroke Camp, as it is one of the best weekends, if not the highlight, of my entire year. <br /><br />While at stroke camp, we do lots of fun things. Among other things, we play team games (water balloon throw, tossing frisbees, sack races, etc.), perform skits, have campfire activities, receive massages, swim, break out into survivor and caregiver groups, perform drum circles, and attend presentations. The kids play with volunteers when we are busy, so the staff already has thought of having built-in childcare when the adults are unavailable. The patience required by all parties is astronomical. It was nice that we can do things at a slower pace with people who truly understand our limitations. <br /><br />It recently struck me that Stroke Camp is about building community. It is like a family reunion of sorts, as we are interacting with people that I usually see only periodically. These people not only understand me, but also are my friends. Lifelong friends. <br /><br />For more information about the origins of Stroke Camp, I encourage you to read Sarah Christy’s book <b>Keep Going</b>. Sarah was the director of the family camp for over 10 years. In this book, she explores the creative thought behind Stroke Camp.<br /></span></p></div></blockquote></div></blockquote><p> </p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">II. Why I Love Stroke Camp</b></p><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are dozens of reasons why my family and I adore Stroke Camp, but I wanted to identify five of these considerations for your reflection.<br /><br /><b>1) Entire Family.</b> We attend the family camp, so Cindy and our three children are welcome to come. Usually only I attend various stroke events, so happily, my entire family is also able to experience this weekend. This spirit of inclusivity is a rarity.<br /><br /><b>2) All Ages.</b> When I first attended, I was shocked because I was not the only young person there. I interacted with a young man who had his stroke when he was 18 years old. I also talked with a woman who had a stroke when she was 41 years old. Granted, I usually have the youngest children there, but for the first time since my stroke, I felt I was among people my own age. <br /><br /><b>3) Acceptance.</b> I feel “normal” during the entire time of camp. People listen to me and wait for me to walk slower. Sadly, people in our society do not prioritize patience, and therefore, they marginalize stroke survivors. Happily (and often unusually), I feel as if I make a significant difference here. <br /><br /><b>4) Challenges.</b> We are encouraged to try things that we have never done before. For example, this year I tried archery (Editor note: not available at all camps). I described the following on Facebook: “Family Stroke Camp is one of the highlights of my year for many reasons. For example, I am encouraged to try something new instead of giving up simply because of my stroke. I thought that I would never have the coordination to do archery again; there is no way that I could have stabilized a bow much less fired an arrow even six months ago. It was an understatement to say that I was excited to hit the target three consecutive times! I encourage you to never give up and not be defined by any limitations.”<br /><br /><b>5) Other Families.</b> My children interact on a regular basis with other families who struggle with stroke. One year, I met a father who had a stroke two weeks after his daughter was born. Another year, I talked with a man who had a stroke while his wife was pregnant. Significantly, my children are able to see other families that manage life with a stroke as we are not the only people dealing with these ramifications. <br /><br />Importantly, if you know someone who could benefit from this experience, please share this email with him or her. For additional information, refer to the following website: <a href="https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/xFHdC1rApsjEy5ZcGfXNI/">https://www.strokecamp.org/</a>. <br /><br />Additionally, if you are interested, you can read an April 2018 article highlighting my entire family during a Stroke Camp: </span></p></div></blockquote></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/article/app/14/2/16/camp-for-stroke-survivors">https://www.brainandlife.org/the-magazine/article/app/14/2/16/camp-for-stroke-survivors</a>.<br /><br />Best,<br />John</span></p></div></blockquote></div></blockquote></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-47194294831729183952021-08-11T12:45:00.002-05:002021-08-11T13:27:25.626-05:00What’s New in PEORIA, IL? WELCOME JAN!<p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************<br /></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What’s New in PEORIA, IL? WELCOME JAN!</b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs20XFwVgMFBNWqYQIlSrF1hbzvwP4EocKGjSqoOASyeyTrXCQlPBnq-beYFJUJsszMXB95dhIQ3f6nRlYwDCpxTJBWre2k4jvU7rhsm4G48V7vIU2qZIJu1KqCxyOJWELLW4o-D2QKP3/s166/Screenshot+%2528284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="131" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLs20XFwVgMFBNWqYQIlSrF1hbzvwP4EocKGjSqoOASyeyTrXCQlPBnq-beYFJUJsszMXB95dhIQ3f6nRlYwDCpxTJBWre2k4jvU7rhsm4G48V7vIU2qZIJu1KqCxyOJWELLW4o-D2QKP3/s0/Screenshot+%2528284%2529.png" width="131" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome, Jan Jahnel. We are happy to announce our newest part-time employee to United Stroke Alliance and Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp as the Stroke Services Administrator. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Jan has been a neuroscience nurse for 25 years at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and the Stroke Coordinator for the OSF/INI stroke program for 17 years. She has been a Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse for 15 years and continues to be a Stroke Certified Registered Nurse. Her job at OSF/INI was very rewarding and took her to many interesting places to teach and to learn more about stroke treatment, recovery and awareness. She even traveled to China in 2016… She says she got tired and retired from OSF on April 30th 2021 and is happy to have joined the incredible team at United Stroke Alliance and is enjoying her retirement job so far…</span></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-68327697543874769132021-07-25T22:00:00.001-05:002021-07-25T22:00:00.196-05:00Are you or a member of your family/friend circle a stroke survivor? <p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><br /><b>Are you or a member of your family/friend circle a stroke survivor? </b><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Life is a journey...and sometimes there are unexplained and unpredictable changes. Some of the changes are immediate and others require a new beginning. Recovery from a stroke (or living with a stroke survivor) requires courage, patience, love, and support from family, friends, and the community.<br /><br />Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp strives to offer an enjoyable and fun-filled weekend with other stroke survivors, caregivers, and family members throughout the United States with the emphasis on education, socialization, relaxation, and support.<br /><br />Welcome to the Retreat & Refresh family! We hope you and your family member(s) will visit our website often as you travel the ever-challenging post-stroke journey.<br /><br />The Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp website <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">https://strokecamp.org</a> provides information and resources offering a better understanding of stroke while helping survivors move forward and begin anew.<br /><br />Our website contains helpful information including:<br /> - Links to this blog</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> - Video clips</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> - Resources </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> - Recommended reading materials </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> - Calendar of camps and events<br /> - Registration form for campers and volunteers<br /> - Photo gallery from each camp<br /><br />And much more that will provide a greater understanding of stroke and its continuous challenges. Online visitors will find value in this website.<br /><br />Also, be sure to visit <a href="https://www.strikeoutstroke.com/">www.strikeoutstroke.com</a> for stroke awareness events near you, and <a href="https://www.unitedstrokealliance.org/ " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.unitedstrokealliance.org</a> for much more information.</span></div><div><br /></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-47930701724307215752021-07-05T10:58:00.004-05:002021-07-21T18:36:52.773-05:00Update To We are seeking interested volunteers <p> </p><p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><i>If you have attended a camp in the past but don't find it listed today on our website please know we are working with our sponsors to organize and fund it, but due to the pandemic some areas are not yet ready to give us the go-ahead.</i></span></b></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p><p><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are seeking interested volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of others by joining us for a weekend retreat for Family Stroke Camp. This unique event is July 29-August 1, 2021 at Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center in Oregon Illinois (just under a two hour drive from Peoria. The weekend will allow us to host families who are raising children and one parent has had a stroke. Volunteers do not need medical experience and will not need to do any patient care, but join us to partner with campers as they swim, fish, zip line, enjoy meals, enjoy walks, help with crafts, participate in discussion groups, play games, and enjoy socialization. Ideal volunteers simply love helping people. Volunteers are not paid monetarily, but their weekend includes accommodations, meals, camp t-shirt, participation in activities, and memories to last a lifetime. High School and College students qualify. Please consider joining us this year. For more information, follow the information on the flyer. The video linked here is a look into a Stroke Camp weekend, take a look and give it some thought.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span color="var(--primary-text)" style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here for video: </span><b> <a href="https://youtu.be/gg8Hcow6ns4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Video</a></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For more information:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Call our office: 309-645-9258 or email marylee@strokecamp.org</span></p><p><br /></p><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-9114973225179709322021-06-20T22:00:00.002-05:002021-06-21T11:15:34.831-05:0035 Quotes for Caregivers That’ll Brighten Your Day<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.strokecamp.org/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: medium;" target="_blank">www.strokecamp.org</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unitedstrokealliance.org/" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://www.unitedstrokealliance.org/</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">********</b><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stroke Camp Shop</span></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The following is an article originally posted on <a href="https://www.mycaringplan.com">https://www.mycaringplan.com</a>. This web site was founded by Daniel Morris. His site addresses issues focused on senior living and home care for them, however, there are some articles on his site that can be useful for caregivers of stroke survivors also. </i></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: "Alegreya Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Need something to lift your spirits on a difficult day or inspire you to be your best self?</i></span><br /><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></div></div></div><img height="280" src="https://www.mycaringplan.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/nathan-lemon-FBiKcUw_sQw-unsplash-scaled-owrxbgrpa5c9nfdumfkzs672l3nrmdxkrqotl8umbs.jpg" width="600" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-epZCro1UCIhy2mhg-0asi6Xz1YKQJWWS0m4DqsVx4YcSapHQ2TnlbFj2g0gxrWUvxmppQDTZhBsYUOf8_YQdd0OgLUFMoWnfPn1UBt7ChEV9PVf37dvPPqUM4HdIIqPNlgJZ9iifY1J/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-epZCro1UCIhy2mhg-0asi6Xz1YKQJWWS0m4DqsVx4YcSapHQ2TnlbFj2g0gxrWUvxmppQDTZhBsYUOf8_YQdd0OgLUFMoWnfPn1UBt7ChEV9PVf37dvPPqUM4HdIIqPNlgJZ9iifY1J/w200-h200/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><div><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-16c876c9 elementor-author-box--layout-image-above elementor-author-box--align-center dc-has-condition dc-condition-in_array elementor-author-box--avatar-yes elementor-author-box--name-yes elementor-author-box--link-no elementor-widget elementor-widget-author-box" data-element_type="widget" data-id="16c876c9" data-widget_type="author-box.default" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 20px; position: relative; width: 710px;"><div class="elementor-widget-container" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: -70px 0px 0px; transition: background 0.3s ease 0s, border 0.3s ease 0s, border-radius 0.3s ease 0s, box-shadow 0.3s ease 0s, -webkit-border-radius 0.3s ease 0s, -webkit-box-shadow 0.3s ease 0s;"><div class="elementor-author-box" style="-webkit-box-align: center; align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><br /></div><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><br /></div><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><br /></div><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><br /></div><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"><br /></div><div class="elementor-author-box__text" style="-webkit-box-flex: 1; box-sizing: border-box; flex-grow: 1;"> SIOBHAN BRIER</div></div></div></div></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">35 Quotes for Caregivers That’ll Brighten Your Day</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Those who care for others are the backbone of a functioning society, and yet, sometimes they go unappreciated. For that reason, even the greatest caregivers need reminders that what they are doing is important, and their time spent giving is valued. These inspirational quotes for caregivers will help you remember your “why,” and send you on your way with a reinvigorated optimism. When you have peace and pride in your heart, you will be a light to others as well.<br /><br />Throughout the ups and downs, there is hope to be found. Sometimes we just need a little reminder.<br /><br />If that’s the case for you, you’re in luck. Here are 35 quotes all about the realities of being a caregiver that are sure to brighten your day:</span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inspirational Quotes for Caregivers</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Need something to lift your spirits on a difficult day or inspire you to be your best self? Look no further than these inspirational, motivational quotes!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly live with love – be there for others – bring a little light into someone’s day. Be grateful and live each day to the fullest.” -Roy T. Bennett</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” -Dalai Lama</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Never believe that a few caring people can change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.” -Margaret Mead</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Affirmations are our mental vitamins, providing the supplementary positive thoughts we need to balance the barrage of negative events and thoughts we experience daily.” – Tia Walker</b></span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Funny Caregiver Quotes</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Caregiving can be stressful and tough. Sometimes, giving yourself the chance to have a laugh about your experiences is helpful. Other times, you may be in need of a serious pick-me-up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These quotes are sure to boost your mood:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I’m right.” -Ashleigh Brilliant</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes!” -Billy Connolly</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he’s wrong.” -Charles Wadsworth</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“A failure is like fertilizer; it stinks to be sure, but it makes things grow faster in the future.” -Denis Waitley</b></span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Life as a Caregiver Quotes</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Life as a caregiver can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly meaningful and empowering.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">There’s a lot to be said about the ups and downs of caregiving, and these picks are a great start:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” -Tia Walker</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Offering care means being a companion, not a superior. It doesn’t matter whether the the person we are caring for is experiencing cancer, the flu, dementia, or grief… When our role is to be providers of care, we should be there as equals.” -Judy Cornish, The Dementia Handbook: How to Provide Dementia Care at Home</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” -E.E. Cummings</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“My caregiver mantra is to remember: the only control you have is over the changes you choose to make.” -Nancy L. Kriseman, Mindful Caregiver: Finding Ease in the Caregiving Journey</b></span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Caregiver Appreciation Quotes</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Being a caregiver is no easy task. When someone decides to take on the challenging, but essential, role of being a caregiver, they certainly deserve appreciation. Include these quotes in a thoughtful card, a text message, or social media post. Any caregiver who reads it will feel suddenly lifted and seen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Whether you’re looking to acknowledge a caregiver in your life or trying to reflect on the value of your own caregiving experiences, these quotes are perfect:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” -Tia Walker</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.” -John Rohn</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Caregiving has no second agendas or hidden motives. The care is given from love for the joy of giving without expectations, no strings attached.” -Gary Zukav</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. Making a difference for another today.” -Amy Leigh-Mercree</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” -Mother Theresa</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” -Henri Nouwen</b></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank You Quotes for Caregivers</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Trying to think of a way to thank a caregiver in your life for their hard work and commitment? Or, perhaps you’re a caregiver looking to express your gratitude for others in your life. Whatever the case may be, take a look at these for inspiration:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“Sometimes we need someone to simply be there. Not to fix anything, or to do anything in particular, but just to let us feel that we are cared for and supported.” -Anonymous</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” -Leo Buscaglia</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” -John F. Kennedy</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“‘I wanted to thank you,’ I said. She wrinkled her nose and squinted like I’d said something funny. ‘Thank me for what?’ she said. ‘You give me strength I didn’t know I had,’ I said. ‘You make me better.’” -Ransom Riggs, Hollow City</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Practice to live a thank you and acknowledge your blessings. A new world will open up to you.” Anupama Garg, The Tantric Curse</b></span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Caregiver Burnout Quotes</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Caregiver burnout (click </span><a href="https://www.mycaringplan.com/blog/caregiver-burnout" style="font-size: x-large;">here</a><span style="font-size: large;"> to read our guide on the topic) is a very real and challenging state to find yourself in. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It’s important to remember that it’s okay to take care of yourself too. Not only is it important to take care of yourself for your own personal and mental health, it’s also important when it comes to your ability to care for others. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">These quotes are great reminders of not just how challenging burnout is, but also that it’s possible to overcome and learn from it:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.” -Mother Theresa</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain: when you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what the storm’s all about.” -Haruki Murkami, Kafka on the Shore</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“A healthy self-love means we have no compulsion to justify to ourselves or others why we take vacations, why we sleep late, why we buy new shoes, why we spoil ourselves from time to time. We feel comfortable doing things which add quality and beauty to life.” -Andrew Matthews</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” -Brené Brown</b></span></div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dementia Caregiver Quotes</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Dementia is (unfortunately) becoming increasingly common. According to The World Health Organization, dementia currently impacts nearly 50 million people worldwide. There are also nearly 10 million new cases every year. Remember that even when someone you love does not remember your name, they still do not forget the way they feel about you, and they still feel the love that you have always shared.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Dementia can sometimes feel like a grief impossible to carry, both for the ill and for loved ones/family. These quotes reflect not just upon the challenges dementia present, but also the hope we must try and hold onto throughout:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>“The journey of dementia is a journey like no other. Dementia makes you realize that there’s no time to waste. Each moment is precious, a treasure in its own way. We all know the last chapter in the book. Dementia taught me that all any of us really have is today.” -Leanne Chames</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“Remind yourself every day: ‘I am in charge of my happiness. I will not let anything outside of myself control me. I am creating a life that feels good on the inside and it will turn into experiences that are good on the outside.” -Unknown</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“It is a strange, sad irony that so often, in the territory of a disease that robs an individual of memory, caregivers are often the forgotten.” -Karen Walker</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt <br />“Those with dementia are still people, and they still have stories, and they still have character, and they are all individuals, and they are all unique. And they just need to be interacted with on a human level.” -Carey Mulligan<br /></b></span><br />Sources</div><div>More caregiving help: <a href="https://www.mycaringplan.com/blog/caregiving">Caregiving</a><br />“Dementia,” World Health Organization, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia#:~:text=Although%20dementia%20mainly%20affects%20older,60%E2%80%9370%25%20of%20cases">https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia#:~:text=Although%20dementia%20mainly%20affects%20older,60%E2%80%9370%25%20of%20cases</a>. <br />“Quotes,” Goodreads, <a href="https://goodreads.com/quotes">https://goodreads.com/quotes</a></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-79697108253300195692021-06-07T13:00:00.014-05:002021-06-14T07:56:13.497-05:00How to Downsize Your Home: A Guide for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Seniors<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><i><span><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">A new article on sleep by Cindy Page will be available on this blog 6/21.</span></b></span></i><div><i><span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></i><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Andrea Needham is the creator and editor at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Elders Day</a>. A lifelong writer, she created her website to share information and resources with other seniors who love living it up as they age. Andrea believes our golden years don’t have to be a time to slow down, and she looks forward to sharing the many health-boosting, fulfilling activities and experiences that are perfect for aging adults.<br /><br />Editor's note: The tips mentioned in this article appear here because the author (and this editor) feels the issues facing stroke survivors can be similar to those retiring and recognizing the need to downsize their living space in order to better manage their day-to-day lives. </span></i><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">How to Downsize Your Home</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">A Guide for Stroke Survivors, Caregivers and Seniors</b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">by Andrea Needham</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6grA-T3u2aCo54BEP3RoSxVR5OmfQZ-Ib0u97simU4320NnFkPb7pV6vs7azTotYkP0jYDQ7ZWbck8l6RXMPJWIMd9EG3XEQJHfmsOEkorhSVgYSbwvnApVmhZKScgXbvu90uX1Xbw_J/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1050" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6grA-T3u2aCo54BEP3RoSxVR5OmfQZ-Ib0u97simU4320NnFkPb7pV6vs7azTotYkP0jYDQ7ZWbck8l6RXMPJWIMd9EG3XEQJHfmsOEkorhSVgYSbwvnApVmhZKScgXbvu90uX1Xbw_J/w517-h344/image.png" width="517" /></a></div><p></p><p> Image via <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/66NaCdBrkCs" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For many of us, moving becomes much more difficult as we age. In addition to the physical challenges of packing, unpacking, and hauling our belongings from one home to another, the mental and emotional obstacles of relocating may prevent us from moving in the first place. But despite these challenges, moving is oftentimes necessary as we age — especially for those of us who wish to downsize homes. This guide from</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="https://strokecamp.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</span></a> <span><span style="font-size: large;">a division of <a href="https://www.unitedstrokealliance.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance</a> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">will help to make the downsizing process as easy as possible!</span></p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Find the Right Type of Housing</span></b><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">After making the decision to downsize, you’ll need to compare housing options to find the right home for your senior years.</span></i><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><div><span style="font-size: large;">● </span><span style="font-size: large;">Determine whether <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/07/buy-rent.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>renting or buying</b></a> will be best for you.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">● If you’re selling a home during the pandemic, learn about</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.redfin.com/guides/buying-home-during-coronavirus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>some precautions </b></a>you should </span><span style="font-size: large;">take.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">● If <a href="https://modernretirement.org/what-is-the-difference-between-assisted-living-and-independent-living-for-retirement/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>community housing </b></a>is right for you, decide whether you’ll need independent or </span><span style="font-size: large;">assisted living.</span><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Prepare to Sell Your Home</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Finding a home to grow old in is just the beginning. If you own your current residence, you’ll also </span><span style="font-size: large;">need to start preparing your home for sale.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Look for an experienced <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/how-to-find-a-real-estate-agent/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>real estate agent </b></a>to help you throughout the process of selling </span><span style="font-size: large;">your current home, and if necessary, buying a new property.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● <a href="https://www.senioradvisor.com/blog/2016/03/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-sale/"><b>Start preparing your home</b></a> for selling, like making any necessary repairs and decluttering </span><span style="font-size: large;">your furniture and other personal belongings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/where-to-donate-clothes-furniture-books-during-covid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Donate unwanted items </b></a>to soup kitchens, shelters, and other charitable organizations in </span><span style="font-size: large;">your community.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Move Into Your New Home</b></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Once you’ve received an offer on your current home and found a new place to live, you’ll need </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><i>to start planning the move into your new house.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Decide whether to <a href="https://www.themovingblog.com/hire-movers-or-do-it-yourself/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>hire professional movers </b></a>or recruit a few family members on moving </span><span style="font-size: large;">day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/survive-moving-day-without-a-back-injury-297005" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Protect your back</b></a> when packing and moving to reduce your risk of injury.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● Look out for signs of <a href="https://seniornews.com/relocation-stress-syndrome-impacts-elderly/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>relocation stress syndrome</b></a>, which often includes changes in weight </span><span style="font-size: large;">or eating habits, depression, anger, and anxiety.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">● If you’ll need to modify your new home for accessibility purposes, you may be able to </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.bankrate.com/loans/personal-loans/aging-in-place-renovations/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">finance your renovations</a><span> </span></b>with a reverse mortgage, government loan or grant, or personal loan.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Downsizing may seem like a daunting task, but it’s important to focus on the </span><span style="font-size: large;">benefits of moving into a smaller, more manageable home. In many cases, you’ll save on living expenses, reduce stress, and have a lot more time and energy to enjoy your favorite hobbies and activities. After all, your senior years are meant to be spent with the ones you love and the activities you enjoy most!</span></p><p><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://strokecamp.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp</a> can help improve the quality of life of stroke survivors </span></b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and their caregivers. Call (309)688-5450 to learn more.</b></span></p></div></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-33309589263145592332021-05-09T22:00:00.184-05:002021-05-09T22:00:00.228-05:00Do You Know How To Recognize A Stroke?<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">How many of you know how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and know what to do? Maybe you've seen our acronym:<br /></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">BE-</span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">FAST<i><span style="color: red;">ER</span></i>!</span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We even have </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BE-</span><b>FAST<i><span style="color: red;">ER</span></i>!</b> </b><span style="text-align: center;">copyrighted and it is a registered trademark owned by United Stroke Alliance.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>We show it a lot to help people remember what the majority of symptoms are. </span><span>Do you know what the letters represent?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>To help you know and understand what </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BE-</span><b>FAST<i><span style="color: red;">ER</span></i>!</b></b><span> means we have created and made available in the USA an app, free of charge, for Android and Apple devices. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">These apps do not collect, store or download any information on or from your phone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Google Play Store</b>: </span><span style="font-size: large;">(click here --></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=b4a.BEFASTERV1">BE-FASTER!</a></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This should take you right to our Android version for downloadng.) If this doesn't work, go to the Google Play store and use the search outlined below.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Apple's Apple Store</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: (You have to use their store app and use the following search. Apple doesn't have a direct link to it.) </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPb7S7latpWVy2Njkznk25NdZU3f3zb03sVbEIL7mUXR5s2WatTqZifEAL7j9QxB7M-e8OrfZRXWTnjiSZcbusKSjNW_BfhSxxIdrsqFZUDd3ej7tlDRVBW964bc4kvQZKf72XLfof8rW/s1136/IMG_0174+%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPb7S7latpWVy2Njkznk25NdZU3f3zb03sVbEIL7mUXR5s2WatTqZifEAL7j9QxB7M-e8OrfZRXWTnjiSZcbusKSjNW_BfhSxxIdrsqFZUDd3ej7tlDRVBW964bc4kvQZKf72XLfof8rW/s320/IMG_0174+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Search for these letters, BE-FASTER! on the store of your choice. Include the dash and the exclamation point to make sure you find it, and download it to your device. With this always available to you on your device you won't be under pressure to remember all those letters. <br /><br />Each letter and its symptom on the screen is a button that when tapped will give further explanation of that symptom. <br /><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once a stroke begins to present itself, </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-align: center;">BE-</span><b style="text-align: center;">FAST<i><span style="color: red;">ER</span></i>!</b> </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and dial 911 immediately - the more time that is wasted, the more functioning a stroke survivor could lose as a result of the loss of 1,900,000 brain cells a minute. As described above, </span></span><span><span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: center;">BE-</span></span></span><b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">FAST<i><span style="color: red;">ER</span></i>!</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">represents the majority of the signs of stroke. Most people in America do not know the signs and do not respond quick enough to receive early treatment to minimize post stroke challenges. One or more of these symptoms could indicate a stroke. And especially if multiple symptoms are present. </span></p><span style="font-size: large;">United Stroke Alliance recognizes that each year 700,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 543,000 survive the stroke, many experiencing significant physical limitations as well as emotional and cognitive challenges. For almost everyone, the stroke was not a planned or wanted event. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">In fact, 80% of Americans that experience a stroke do not respond quick enough because they did not know the signs of stroke. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">It struck without notice and changed the lives of the family forever.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">According to</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.monroeclinic.org/didyouknow/75-americans-under-age-45-dont-know-signs-stroke">Monroe Clinic</a>, </span><span style="font-size: large;">a national survey commissioned by Ronald Reagan, UCLA Medical Center revealed the startling findings that 75 percent of respondents under age 45 are unaware of, or underestimate, the signs and symptoms of a stroke. Because of this they do not respond quick enough to reduce the effects of the stroke. The web site <a href="https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2017/03/23/13/33/most-americans-dont-know-the-signs-of-a-stroke-do-you#:~:text=We%20all%20know%20how%20serious,may%20wait%20out%20the%20symptoms">geisinger.org</a> states the same thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />With this app, we hope to improve the awareness. Please use it and let your family and friends be aware of it. They could save your life.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-19163580000690304322021-05-04T13:49:00.004-05:002021-05-04T13:56:44.316-05:00Self-Denial A Hallmark Of Christianity by Pastor and Stroke Survivor Phil Bell<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke Camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Editor note: Beginning with May, automatic email notification will be discontinued. Today, I received this message from Blogger support:</i> </b></span><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52)" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ffecb3; font-size: 14px;">You are receiving this information because your blog uses the </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/go/follow-by-email-page" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #ffecb3; color: #2962ff; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">FollowByEmail widget </a><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52)" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ffecb3; font-size: 14px;">(Feedburner).</span></div><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52)" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ffecb3; font-size: 14px;">Recently, the Feedburner team released a system update </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/go/follow-by-email-deprecation-annoucement" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #ffecb3; color: #2962ff; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">announcement </a><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52)" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ffecb3; font-size: 14px;">, that the email subscription service will be discontinued in July 2021.</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: #ffecb3; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52); font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52)" face="Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #ffecb3; font-size: 14px;">After July 2021, your feed will still continue to work, but the automated emails to your subscribers will no longer be supported. </span><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Phil Bell is a retired Baptist pastor and stroke survivor. He writes articles for his home town newspaper and permits us to pass them along. This article was meant for the Lenten season but came too late to make that timeframe. There is still, even now, a lot that you might gain from his writing. </i><br /></span><p><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Street &amp; Steeple for March 26, 2021</span></p><span style="font-size: large;"> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br /> By Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church<br /> “Self-Denial A Hallmark Of Christianity”<br /> +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++<br />We are in the period of the Christian Calendar known as Lent. Just exactly when is that? It begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb, 17 this year) and lasts for approximately six weeks, ending the Saturday night before Easter Sunday. During Lent many or most Christians give up something they normally would enjoy! The day before Ash Wednesday is sometimes called Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) is a day of indulgences before the many days of denial.<br /> <br /> Self-denial of the physical is a way to emphasize the Spiritual. In fact, fasting, which has been practiced since Bible times, is for just that purpose. It is intended to be a time in which we stop eating to be devoted to prayer and meditation on the Lord our God. Please note I’m writing of self-denial, not self-degradation. God wants us to have a healthy, humble respect for ourselves! Self-denial starts with Jesus as do most things Spiritual! Consider the words of Paul beginning with Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond –servant, and being made in the likeness of a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” <br /><br />Here, Paul explains that we, also are to have the same attitude of Jesus, who existed in heaven the second person of the triune God. The Trinity is clearly identified in Scriptures although the word, itself, is not used. We mortals have tried to come up with an analogy to help us try to understand it better, but have never done so successfully. One I like is the player in a baseball game. A Cubs player is a tremendous hitter, artful base runner, and gold glove defensive fielder, but this analogy fails in the sense that not even a Cubs player is all of those things at the same time, as is God is, the Father, God, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit! <br /><br />Paul was writing of God, the Son, who, in heaven, has existed always and participated in creation with His Father. Why, then, did He choose to come to earth as a mere man? Love is the answer. Love for and obedience to His Father and great love for you and me! Didn’t He give up an awfully lot, I ask you. Yes, you say, but He knew He would be returning to heaven when His work on earth was done, you answer. Yes, He certainly did, but He also knew that while fully a man and fully God, He would endure physical torture both before and on the cross! I hope you’re getting the picture of just how great was and is the love of God for you! <br /><br />While I can’t give you an example of the trinity I can give you an example of someone having the same attitude of the Christ, the example is my own dear loving wife, Nancy. When, following my massive stroke in January, 2012, I found myself in Heartland Healthcare for nursing and rehabilitation. I was being quite well taken care of, but, Nancy, took me home to be my sole caregiver, knowing she was giving up a life of her own, because she thought that was what was best for me! She even did this even before my insurance coverage for assisted living care had been exhausted. You might say, “Well, that’s what any spouse would do.” Tragically, that isn’t the case. While in Heartland I met a woman, there because of a stroke, like I, whose husband, not only did not take her home to care for, but left her on the day after their twenty seventh wedding anniversary! “Unimaginable,” you react angrily. Yes, but, all too common, I tell you. The attitude and actions of Nancy are those of an obedient Christian, knowing a good deal about self-denial and love! <br /><br />I guess the opposite of self-denial is probably the overestimation of the importance of oneself. There have been many negative consequences of my disabling stroke nearly ten years ago now. The one I hate most is an insidious one. I find myself thinking and acting as if everything is all about me. I don’t want to have that attitude, but I have come to believe that, most likely, anyone who has lived through a catastrophic event is prone to that syndrome. Of course, we probably all know someone who thinks that, even though having not suffered anything catastrophic. <br /><br />This clearly cannot be the attitude of an obedient Jesus follower! If you aren’t familiar with the practices of Lent this is still a good time to ask your pastor to tell you more about Lent and prepare for Holy Week; the remembrance of Holy Thursday, thankfulness of Good Friday, and celebration of Easter Sunday! Perhaps, by participating in Lent next year you will, indeed experience for yourself that self-denial is a hallmark of Christianity, just as much as participating in Holy Week is! <br /><br />Why do we Jesus followers make such a big deal about Holy Week and Easter anyway? Jesus rising from the dead validates what He said about Himself and what was said about Him! Christianity is the only of the world’s major religions with a living leader! That should be evidence enough to believe Him when He said what John records in John 14:6, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Jesus made it clear that there is no other source or religion in which a person can have a relationship with God the Father except by way of Him! Then, all He did to prove it is defeat death by rising from the dead on what we call Easter Sunday!</span></div><div><br /> - Phil Bell, retired, pastor, University Baptist Church </div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-1651671302777316152021-04-11T22:00:00.001-05:002021-04-11T22:00:09.217-05:00Police and Tactical Flight Officer's Story<p> </p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stroke Camp Shop</span></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************<br /></b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MEDTRONIC ARTICLE</b></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b>As an active and healthy police and tactical flight officer, 49-year-old Marc Geiger understands that being a first responder can come with its fair share of stress. So when he started experiencing symptoms of atrial fibrillation in early 2020, Marc knew he needed help.<br /><br />Marc was mid-flight when he felt nausea and arm pain. After landing, medics determined Marc’s blood pressure was high and brought him to the ER in case of a heart attack. Marc’s doctor originally diagnosed him with thoracic impingement syndrome, meaning that some of his blood vessels could have been compressed - likely from a prior shoulder surgery - causing his arm pain and nausea. Marc brushed it off and continued his life.<br /><br />About a month later, Marc was on another routine flight when he experienced his next incident. He recalled being frustrated as he tried to radio the communications center, “I knew what I wanted to say, but I just couldn’t get the words out. My speech was delayed, and my partner knew something was wrong,” said Marc. He doesn’t remember being taken out of the helicopter by the medics.<br /><br />Back at the hospital, Marc’s doctors began neurological tests. After days of exams, the official diagnosis came in – Marc had experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a ‘mini-stroke’ that lasts only a few minutes. His doctors talked with him about next steps.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Finding peace of mind – and Atrial Fibrillation</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">After identifying the TIA, Marc’s physician was concerned he might have atrial fibrillation (AF), a common condition in which the upper chambers of the heart beat very fast and irregularly. As a result, blood is not pumped effectively to the rest of the body and may pool and clot. If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the brain and result in a stroke. AF increases the risk of stroke more than five times, but it often goes undetected since it can happen infrequently and without symptoms.<br /><br />Marc’s physician recommended he receive a Medtronic LINQ IITM insertable cardiac monitor (ICM). LINQ II is a small, wireless ICM for patients at increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms. The device is one-third the size of a AAA battery, placed just beneath the skin in a minimally invasive procedure. By continuously monitoring the heart, LINQ II gives physicians relevant data to help diagnose and define treatment for underlying, infrequent heart conditions like AF.<br /><br />With the LINQ II ICM continuously monitoring Marc’s heart, he finds peace of mind knowing his physician is recording the data to ultimately figure out next steps for treatment. He feels confident that his LINQ II device will help unlock even more answers to his heart health.<br /><br />To learn more about ICM’s, visit <a href="http://Medtronic.com/UnexplainedStroke">Medtronic.com/UnexplainedStroke</a></span></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-61343725136241377812021-04-04T22:00:00.001-05:002021-04-07T07:37:07.309-05:00GEORGIA'S STORY<p> </p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Camp Shop</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://rrscb.blogspot.com">Stroke camp Blog</a></span></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">Georgia has been a valuable, active member of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp since it's beginning. She has also participated in many other of United Stroke Alliance's activities, especially as an active volunteer at our camps.</span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Now take a look at Georgia’s story.</span></b><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">My husband, Larry and I attended the first stroke camp in 2004 as a stroke survivor and caregiver. We enjoyed the camaraderie of being with other survivors and caregivers. It was a phenomenal life changing weekend. The next year we volunteered so we could encourage other survivors and caregivers. The difference I saw in my husband after one of those weekends showed that his life had a purpose. We decided this was our new mission in life. We took a negative experience of Larry’s stroke and made it a positive. <br /><br />After my family saw our enthusiasm for camp, it quickly became a family affair. In 2008 our youngest daughter, Cheri, joined the staff of volunteers and experienced how camp impacted our lives. Even though Larry is not with us anymore, another daughter and her daughter (our granddaughter) have started volunteering at camps too. In addition, my son-in-law serves as President for the Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp Advisory Board. One life changing weekend led to three generations of volunteers. <br /><br />Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp is a family mission that has improved all of our lives. We continue volunteering in Larry’s honor because we hope that other stroke survivors and caregivers will find joy, fulfillment, and a purpose as well. Larry would be very proud of our family and pleased to know of the growing list campers who attend camp. <br /><br />At the end of a camp weekend I am exhausted but inspired and proud that I have the opportunity to share and give hope to at least one attendee, if not many more. I go home grateful for this opportunity.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;">------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Editor's Note: <i>If you are curious about camp, go to <a href="http://rrscb.blogspot.com">rrscb.blogspot.com</a> and look toward the top right of your screen and you'll see printed in red: What Goes On At Camp, Camp Preparation, Day One At Camp, Day Two At Camp and Day Three At Camp.</i></span></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-31106642556178359032021-03-28T22:00:00.004-05:002021-03-28T22:00:00.583-05:00A Message from the United Stroke Alliance CEO<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stroke Camp Shop</span></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;">A message from Larry, the CEO of United Stroke Alliance, a national organization and parent organization of Retreat & Refresh Stroke Camp (RRSC), Stroke-Out-Stroke(SOS), and Youth Education on Stroke (YES). </span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />In the last newsletter, I described the story of one person creating a wave of positive change for thousands of people when Marylee created and implemented the concept of a weekend retreat for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families. After her husband, John, had his stroke in 2001, Marylee searched for resources that could help her navigate the potentially long road to stroke recovery for her and John. After exploring and talking with many people, she thought a weekend retreat would be a great opportunity to meet and support other stroke survivors and caregivers. The first stroke camp was held in 2004. At the end of 2019, 265 stroke camps were coordinated in 25 states. In addition to the stroke camps, stroke awareness programs evolved such as Strike Out Stroke (tm), Youth Education on Stroke (tm), Stronger Than a Stroke (tm), and a video series called, You’ve Had a Stroke, Now What (tm)?<br /><br />In 2004, she had no idea her initial idea and effort would connect thousands of stroke survivors and their families as well as educate millions of people on the signs of stroke. Most of us would agree that one person creating a national impact is quite unusual and unique….…….or is it?<br /><br />Sometimes we have specific intent as we connect with people. In these connection we want to express our feelings, good or bad, and other times we have a desire to share ideas or beliefs. However, in some situations we have no idea of the impact. For example, imagine the difference it could make when giving a homeless person a ten-dollar bill, or sharing a kind word with a colleague or just making pleasant conversation with a stranger. Most of the time we do not give these gestures a second thought. Consider the outcome when the homeless person shares a portion of the ten-dollar bill with someone or shares a kind word with another. Suddenly, a single positive gesture becomes two and those two become four. All of us have the capacity to change the world with kindness, respect, and generosity. Now, more than ever we need each person doing their best, in their own way, to change the world.<br /><br />Some would say, the mountain is too high to climb, but remember the story of small town woman changing the world with one idea. Imagine the world if everyone had their own story.</span></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5004780300930541149.post-81309340614382702032021-03-21T22:00:00.004-05:002021-04-16T09:32:17.501-05:00Living Options for Seniors<p><br /></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s1600/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="400" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmjryz4QpPGAbXpJl2KknAdOzrsr8hIr2oe9bWESQ8dmAFyocUHuoiiYaJLVwANmng_iObOB2Vx-2bhzTxhK-yPpI5vOgjswp9fzWVmKsGAX6wsaxgHGlBnuRn_rFScecHa9RSOYfccRB/s200/StrokeCamp+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKKr1rMqOqhP3InpE7WCzcqmyZIxwZlZNJbD2g730XqvD9B9UMQ-VjZ6M4sEmW50f-bNZJ0C9ty7W8LQnb0ZfZs8sgFLEfAFk8gW5s7O5s0MC9JVs6zBp1lvVdb2RV8En8Ddb4tFLVgTc/s1600/usa+logo.jpg" /></a></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><br />*****************************************************************</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stroke Support Group Finder Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChhVy97SDdj3PkqPmZfgskA/?fbclid=IwAR0q1fb1xDuiAZTdMPXQfPkVJZcKwWOApIjpLG0BgU25njvFJ0yd3zscz34" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">United Stroke Alliance YouTube Channel Link</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.strokecamp.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Stroke Camp Shop</span></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The following information is provided by Harry Cline creator of <a href="http://newcaregiver.org/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NewCaregiver.org </a> The New Caregiver’s Comprehensive Resource offers advice, tips, and solutions from around the web.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Harry Cline is also an author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.</i></span></div><div><b style="font-size: x-large;">*****************************************************************</b><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Living Options for Seniors</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Make the Right Decision for You</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Living options are more plentiful for seniors than ever before; many older adults find that they’re able to stay in their own home and age in place rather than moving to an assisted living facility, while others want to age in community with like-minded adults. Not surprisingly, there’s a lot to think about if you’ve been recovering from a stroke, including how to budget for living costs, whether to sell your current home or rent it out, and how to make your place more accessible and</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">safe.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now is the Time to Start Planning</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />You need plenty of time to weigh your options, prepare for a possible move, and figure out what your next step should be. With such big decisions knocking at your door, it’s important to have a support system in place, so talk to your loved ones to get their opinions and help. This is a great way to reduce stress and make the process go a bit smoother. <br /><br /><b>Learn About the Housing Market</b><br /><br />The housing market fluctuates quite often, so it’s imperative to get familiar with where it is currently in your area if you’re ready to buy and/or sell. Take a look online to find out the the <a href="https://www.redfin.com/us-home-trends">details about the market</a> details about the market, such as what the average down payment is, update trends, how much homes are going for in your desired neighborhood, and what you might expect to get from your current home. This will not only <a href="https://www.discover.com/online-banking/banking-topics/downsize-your-home-to-save-money/">help you budget</a> if you’re going to downsize, but it will also help you figure out what buyers are looking for so you can make a quick sale.<br /><br /><b>Consider Accessibility</b><br /><br />No matter where you choose to live as an older adult, it’s imperative to consider your home’s accessibility and make sure it’s safe and secure. Think about where your health will be a few years down the road; if you have another stroke, are injured or become sick and mobility is a factor, will you be able to navigate your home safely? Stairs, outdoor steps, and certain types of flooring can quickly become fall hazards for seniors. If you know you want to downsize, you might look for a home that already has accessibility features in place, such as wider doorways and open space to allow for equipment like a wheelchair. If you’re aging in place, you’ll want to <br />make at least a few <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/simple-home-modifications-that-can-help-seniors-age_b_5a25506ae4b0545e64bf9510">simple modifications</a> to ensure your continued good health. Keep in mind that the average national cost for these modifications is <a href="https://www.fixr.com/costs/disability-remodeling">approximately $9,000</a>, though that number can go up or down depending on how much work your home requires.<br /><br /><b>Consider Assisted Living</b><br /><br />These days, there are many <a href="https://www.interimhealthcare.com/education-center/consumer-health-care-education/different-types-of-elder-care-communities/">different types</a> of assisted living options for older adults. Whether you need home health care, a facility that will help you with daily tasks, or a community where you can remain independent but living among other seniors, there are plenty of choices depending on your needs. Think about your budget, and take a look at your <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/what-are-my-other-long-term-care-choices">healthcare plan</a> to see if it will help cover the cost of any of these options.<br /><br /><b>Think About Renting Out Your Home</b><br /><br />For many seniors, the cost of downsizing is the thing that makes them wary. However, it’s best not to wait to make a move, as you never know what state your health will be in — in fact, waiting might make things more difficult on you. If cost is a major factor, think about <a href="https://www.maxrealestateexposure.com/rent-or-sell-my-house/">renting out</a> your current home so you’ll have a source of income. Ask a friend or family member to help you set it up; it may take a bit of work to <a href="https://ptmoney.com/rental-repairs-fixing-rental-property/">make repairs</a> or updates that will attract renters. <br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Making the Right Choice for your Needs</b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Making the right choice for your needs when it comes to senior living can be a challenge, so think about which option will benefit you the most. Talk to your loved ones during the process so you can get their feedback and support, and give yourself plenty of time to make decisions.</span></div></div></div>Chuck J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06647762332112389544noreply@blogger.com0