Greetings,

There is an old expression that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. It is now April and we have had a few hints of spring. We had three bouts of snow in March, but the good news is it has almost melted. It is warmer, some days.

Our snowbells have finished blooming. The crocuses and daffodils are up. We are still waiting on the tulips! This has been a long winter with lots of snow and cold. I am anxious to be able to get outside to garden and to walk!

The Stroke Network welcomes a new member to our newsletter staff, Chris DeWald. Chris has agreed to write a monthly article reviewing a topic of interest to the stroke family. This month he has written about Computer Games.

Marty Arlen, aka 007, is going on leave. Be sure to check out the last column (for a while) below. If you are interested in contributing a column let me know. All ideas are welcome.

Members Stories is a new feature of this newsletter. We want to feature a Stroke Network member each month. I am still searching for someone to manage and either write the article or work with a member to write their own story. This includes finding the member to highlight and insuring the article is written. I can provide you with a list to begin. If you are interested, please let me know.

The plan is to highlight the many accomplishments members have made. This month the first article is published. It introduces our new staff member Chris DeWald.

Are you a survivor who is at the point in recovery to spread your wings into a new arena?

Are you a caregiver or family member who would like to manage this feature?

Another idea is for a survivor and caregiver or family member to work together.

Also, if you are interested in being featured, let me know.

All Stroke Network positions are voluntary. Although there is no money available, volunteering is wonderful therapy and a great way to give back.

Also in this newsletter, in addition to Chris' first column, David Daul contributes a reflection. There is also notice of the new Weight Forum on The Message Board. Steve, Lin M, Jean, Marty and Nancy contribute their usual columns.

Enjoy the April newsletter.

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenet.biz

Organization Highlights
Stroke Network News By Steve Mallory Steve wishes everyone a Happy Spring. The Message Board currently has a new spring skin. He announces that the Online Store, in addition to continuing to sell teal-shirts, now has light grey t-shirts in stock. He reminds everyone to stock up for short sleeve weather! Click to Read Steve's Remarks... Contact Steve at smallory@strokenet.biz

Computer Garmes
By Chris DeWald Computer Games are a fun way to aid stroke recovery. Chris provides a link to a free site and reviews some others that cost money, but are cheaper than buying extra therapy! Click to Read Computer Games Contact Chris at dewald@strokenetwork.org

The Journey Not Taken
By David Daul David reflects on stroke, and life. David is Assistant Webmaster for The Stroke Network. Click to Read The Journey Not Taken

Fuel for the Journey
Being your own Advocate By Lin Mouat Lin addresses the issue of taking responsibility for your own health care. She gives some suggestions for preparing yourself for a doctor's visit. She also lists some stroke resources. Click to Read Fuel for the Journey Contact Lin at lmouat@strokenet.biz

ANNOUCEMENT: Weight Forum

A recent addition to the message board is a forum focusing on reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. Whether you are a survivor or caregiver the goal is to help you get motivated to loose unwanted pounds.

Vent about emotional triggers that have you running for chocolate or share tips on how you avoid the cookie jar when stressed. Is it tough for you to exercise post stroke? Get some suggestions from others who share your challenge.

Make a commitment to start eating healthy and stay in touch with others who have the same goal. Maybe you can hook up with a diet buddy and use the chat room to share with each other. You may also want to check out the forum Kitchen Tips and Healthy Recipes. This is a great forum filled with healthy recipes as a resource. Spring is right around the corner so let's get motivated.

Stroke Newsfeed Review

Stroke News in the Media
By Jean Guggenheimer

The Stroke Newsfeed review covers a number of interesting subjects this month.

Cracking a Cholesterol Myth

New Erectile Dysfunction Drug Pulled

Research Illuminated Link Between
Alzheimer's and Stroke

Strokes More Common in Spring

New Study Finds Snoring Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke

Taking Gingko Biloba may not Maintain Memory in the Elderly

To read these articles click below.

Click to Read Stroke Newsfeed Review

Contact Jean at jguggenheimer@strokenet.biz

Ask 007
A "Not-So-Serious" Advice Column By Marty Arlen Each month 007, aka Marty Arlen, answers reader's questions. Humor is central to responds. Marty answers a question about laughing. 007 is going on leave. The column will be missed. Click to Read 007... Contact Marty at marlen@strokenet.biz.


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Member Stories
Chris DeWald is the newest member of StrokeNet Newsletter staff. He had a bi-lateral brainstem stroke in 2006. Click below to read Chris' story. Click to Read Member Story Member Stories is a new feature in our newsletter. If you are interested in having your story featured, contact the editor at lwisman@strokenet.biz. If you would like to manage and write this feature, contact the editor.

Member Celebrations

Birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries
Compiled By Nancy Fiduk

The Stroke Network congratulates all members who have celebrated a birthday or stroke anniversary this month. Click below to see the birthdays and anniversaries we have on file for this month.

Click to Read Celebrations...

Contact Nancy at nfiduk@strokenet.biz

Each month members' birthdays, which they have placed in their message board profile, are listed.

To add your birthday, from the home page of the Message board, http://www.strokeboard.net, select Member Links, My Controls. On the left side of the page look for the category, Personal Profile. Select Edit Profile.

If you would like your stroke anniversary listed, send to the the Celebrations Monitor at nfiduk@strokenet.biz. Be sure to include your username and the month, day and year of the stroke. If you are not the survivor, please include the survivor's first name and your relationship. For example: Bill, husband.

The Stroke Network, Inc

P.O. Box 492
Abingdon, MD 21009

Contents may not be reprinted without the organization's permission. Please contact the editor.

Disclaimer:

This newsletter is sponsored by The Stroke Network, Inc. The items contained herein are published as submitted and are provided for general information purposes only. This information should not be considered as personal advice.

Readers should not rely solely on our newsletter information, but should make their own inquiries before making any decisions. The Stroke Network works to maintain up-to-date information from reliable sources; however, no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions or results of any actions based upon this information. If you have any questions regarding any of these items, contact the newsletter editor.

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