January

A few months ago someone posted on the Message Board, "My Stroke describes me. It does not define me." For each Stroke Survivor as well as family members classifying the stroke is important. May 2008 be a year where each of us finds a way to have stroke describe, not define.

We begin the year by highlighting an article written by Nancy Fiduk, the Celebrations Monitor for StrokeNet. Nancy is the mother of a young stroke survivor. In this article she addresses the question of when to help and when to let a survivor make their own way. The issue is an important one for both survivors and their families.

Steve Mallory shares the latest organization news. Chuck Hofvander returns from leave recovering from a seizure. Be sure to check out his article discussing his bike riding routine before his stroke and how his routine has changed.

Lin Mouat shares ways to deal with pain. If you thought meds were the only answer, be sure to read her article. Jean Guggenheimer reports on the latest stroke news in the media. Marty Arlen addresses New Year's questions.

Nancy Fiduk shares members' birthdays and anniversaries. Finally, this month we highlight the bios of four long term Stroke Network Members

Enjoy the January newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenet.biz

View From a Caregiver: When to Help
By Nancy Fiduk Nancy's daughter had a stroke at age 11. Nancy struggles with the issue of when to help and when to let her daughter do things in her own way on her own timeline. In this article she shares the story of helping her daughter to regain the ability to do something she has a passion for - drawing. Click to Read When to Help Contact Nancy at nfiduk@strokenet.biz

Organization Highlights
Stroke Network News By Steve Mallory Steve begins the new year by reporting on the many accomplistments of The Stroke Network in 2007. Click to Read Steve's Remarks... Contact Steve at smallory@strokenet.biz

My Sunday Ride
Reminising... By Chuck Hofvander Chuck reminisces about the bike rides he took on Sundays before his stroke. The rides were important to him. Bike riding has dramatically changed for Chuck, but he has found a way to include the activity in his life. Click to Read Reminising Contact Chuck at chofvander@strokenet.biz

Fuel for the Journey
Turning Down the Pain By Lin Mouat Many stroke survivors, including Lin, experience a large amount of pain. Lin shares methods she has found helpful in dealing with pain. Click to Read Fuel for the Journey Contact Lin at lmouat@strokenet.biz

Stroke Newsfeed Review

Stroke News in the Media
By Jean Guggenheimer

Jean begins the new year by reporting on stroke news in December. She includes everything from fruit flies as good stroke models to work with robotics.

The complete list of articles linked include:·

· Fruit Flies Good Stroke Models

· Has Your Hearing Deteriorated?

· Cardiovascular Disease Remains Top Cause of Deaths in the US

· US Specialists Staying Out of the ER

· Physical Fitness After the Age of 40 May Halve Stroke Risk

· More Than 40M US Residents Say They Cannot Afford Adequate Health Care, According to CDD Study.

· Robotics Lab Helps Stroke Patients with Recovery

· Brainstorm Cell Therapeutic' New Vivarium Set to Enhance Company Research

· Cholesterol Tied to Death Risk Rick from Ischemic Heart Disease but not Stroke

If any of these interests you 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. In keeping with the holiday season, Marty answers questions which pertain to greeting 2008. Click to Read 007... Send your questions to marlen@strokenet.biz.

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.

Member Bios
This month we want to draw your attention to four bios which have been in the Gallery for some time. These are four of the many people who have contributed to the success of The Stroke Network. Click the member's name to read the bio. Perry Stevens Perry stroked Christmas day 2000. Perry and his service dog Bo have been an inspiration for many on the board over the years. Susan Cotter Marshall Susan stroked Feb 1996. Over the years Susan has provided a lot of support and good advice to members. Steve Sanchez Steve stroked when he was 34. Steve has contributed many "inspiration thoughts" posts. Steve Mallory Steve is the Founder and CEO of The Stroke Network. He has been the guiding light to making this organization work. He stroked in 1994 at the age of 36. Bios of Stroke Network members are located in the Member Bios section of the Gallery. Most are stroke stories. If you would like your bio featured, add to the Member Bios section of Gallery on the Messge Board or send to the editor to add for you. The Gallery can be found in the Community Links drop down menu. In order to be featured, bios must be 200-1000 words. You must include both your first and last name, and a picture of yourself. Bios are not just for survivors, any member can add. Should you need to find help, the full instructions are in the Message Board FAQ. Still have questions? Contact the editor.

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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