Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability!
A stroke occurs when a clogged or burst artery interrupts blood flow to the brain. This deprives the brain of needed oxygen. Consequently, affected brain cells die and brain damage occurs. When brain cells dies, body functions are impaired or lost all together! A stroke can cause paralysis or muscle weakness, loss of feeling, vision, speech, language and swallowing problems, memory loss, cognitive problems, coma and even death. Strokes are very serious. Some people recover completely, but 2/3 of survivors have some permanent damage.
“Strokes can occur at any age. At age 58, I survived a stroke. I had to basically relearn all the necessities needed for life! Now at age 68, I’m independent once more. If I can do it – You can do it!
Rehabilitation After Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term adult disability, affecting approximately 795,000 people in the U.S. each year. Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions in the most difficult situations by approaching every problem with patience, ingenuity, perseverance and creativity.
We don’t know completely how the brain compensates for the damage caused by stroke. In some cases, the brain cells may be only temporarily damaged, not killed, and may resume functioning over time. In other cases, the brain can reorganize its own functioning. Sometimes a region of the brain “takes over” for a different region damaged by the stroke. Stroke survivors sometimes experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that can’t be explained.
Early Rehabilitation Improves Function and Recovery.
Rehabilitation actually starts in the hospital, often within two days of the stroke, and continues as necessary after discharge. Depending on the severity of the stroke, rehab options can include one or more of these kinds of care:
- A rehabilitation unit in the hospital with inpatient therapy
- A subacute care unit
- A rehabilitation hospital with individualized inpatient therapy
- In-home therapy
- Returning home with outpatient therapy
- A long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled nursing care
The long-term goal of rehabilitation is to improve function so the stroke survivor can become as independent as possible. This must be accomplished in a way that preserves dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have impaired – skills like bathing, eating, dressing and walking.
Your Stroke Helpline: AW Health Care (314) 726-5600
AW Health Care offers in-home physical, occupational and speech therapy to help stroke victims reach their goals.
Control Your BP
High blood pressure is a common cause of stroke. You can control your blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Reduce your salt intake
- Get regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight
- Manage your stress, limit alcohol and don’t smoke
- Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg systolic/80 mm Hg diastolic. If, with healthy lifestyle choices, your blood pressure stays at 140/90 or greater, your doctor will prescribe the proper medications to help control it. Sometimes more than one medicine is needed. It is important to take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed. Even if your high blood pressure improves, don’t stop taking your medicine without checking with your doctor first.
Be healthy! Watch your blood pressure to avoid a stroke!
Enjoy your Independence Day holiday!
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