Age is complex. I have often noted that chronological age does not always explain an individual's personality. This month we decided to visit our 90 year old Aunt who lives 300 miles from us. She is an inspiration.

She still lives by herself in the house she moved into as a bride in 1938. We were planning to take her out to lunch. But she made lunch and invited others in the family to come.

Her daughter and son as well as his wife and son came. She never gives up. During the conversation I was aware she was open to new ideas and ways of looking at things. What did I learn I can apply to my life? Don't be content with the way things are - keep on trying to achieve.

New Contributor

The Stroke Network welcomes our newest contributor, Claudia Warner. Claudia is a caregiver to her husband. She will write a monthly column sharing experiences of caregiving. Welcome Claudia!

Be sure to check out the other articles as well. A list is on the left.

Enjoy the April newsletter!

Lin Wisman
Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights
What is Happening By Maria Erichsen Maria reports on what is happening at The Stroke Network. Check out these areas: ·Report on the Shrimp and Bullroast fund raiser held March 21 - be sure to check the pictures. ·Announcement of Stroke Network Facebook page. Click to Read Contact Maria at merichsen@strokenetwork.org

Fuel for the Journey
Trusting Yourself By Lin Mouet Lin gives some hints on how to prepare for seeing your doctors. Deciding to take responsibility for your own care may be key to improving. Click to Read Contact Lin at lmouat@strokenetwork.org

Newsfeed Review

Stroke News

By Jean Guggenheimer

Each month Jean reads the Stroke Newsfeed and selects articles to review and to link.This month's articles include:

· More Evidence That Swings in Blood Pressure Raise Stroke Risk

· Kraft to cut salt in its foods

· Compelling Clinical Data Proves VitalStim Therapy Offers Relief from Dysphagia and Swallowing Difficulty
· 10 minutes of fast sprints beat 10 hours of cycling

· Is the pill making you ill
· Study: Gene testing helps get warfarin dose right

· ED, Heart Disease May Be Deadly Duo

Click to Read

The Juggling Caregiver

Embarking on a New Career
Lightning Bolt

By Claudia Warner

Claudia became a caregiver four years ago when her husband had a stroke. This month she begins a column sharing the caregiver experience. She starts by sharing some of her early learnings.

This column is called The Juggling Caregiver, which many caregivers can relate to. There is so much to learn and do.

Click to Read

Contact Claudia at cwarner@strokenetwork.org

Speak No Evil

Emotions and Stroke
By Erin and JJ Robertson

Often both survivors and caregivers experience emotional changes following stroke. These can vary a great deal depending on the type and severity of the stroke as well as the people involved.

Erin and JJ explore the arena of Emotions and Stroke. JJ tells of his emotional experiences as a survivor. Be sure to check out his depression experience. Erin shares her experiences of emotional changes as a caregiver since JJ's stroke.

Click to Read

Contact Erin and JJ at erobertson@strokenetwork.org

Myomo, A Robotic Assistive Device
New Stroke Rehabilitation Technology By David Wasielewski David introduces readers to a new device targeted at increasing use of an affected arm. Click below to find out more and to see where the device is now available. Click to Read Contact David at dwasielewski@strokenetwork.org

FDA Approves Botox for Spasicity
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of increased muscle stiffness in the elbow, wrist and fingers in adults with upper limb spasticity. Many of our members have used Botox to help with spasticity. Click below to read the press release. Click to Read

Member Stories

Leah Fileman
Edited by Deb Theriault

Leah experienced her first stroke in May 2006. She had fought back from being "locked in" and is now able to do many things her medical team did not think possible in the beginning. Click below to read her story.

Click to Read

Would you like to have your story featured? Member Stories are written with the help of our Member Stories Coordinator, Deb Theriault.

First, read the Member Stories Guidelines for more info on the program. If you are still interested email Deb at dtheriault@strokenetwork.org.

Click Member Stories Permanent Collection to see the stories which have been published.

Members can add their own stroke experiences to the Bios section of The Gallery. These are unedited and are not featured in the newsletter.

Member Celebrations

Birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries
Compiled By Nancy Fiduk

The Stroke Network congratulates all members who celebrate 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

Contact Nancy at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org

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

To add your birthday, go to My Controls on the Message Board. Look for Personal Profile on the left of the screen. Select Edit Profile Information. Enter both your birth date and your interests.

To locate My Controls from the home page of the Message board, http://www.strokeboard.net, select Member Links, My Controls.

If you would like your stroke anniversary listed, send to the the Celebrations Monitor at nfiduk@strokenetwork.org. Be sure to include your userid 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.


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To submit an article email the editor.

Disclaimer

This newsletter is published and owned by The Stroke Network. 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.

This newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. The Stroke Network does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites, nor does it guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented there.

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