StrokeNet, Stroke Network's Newsletter

F - Face / Does the face droop on one side when the person smiles?
A - Arm / After raising both arms, does one of the arms drift downwards?
S - Speech /After repeating a simple phrase, does the persons speech sound slurred or strange?
T - Time / If any or all of the above are observed call for 9-1-1 (if in US or 999 in UK) and ask for medical assistance.

StrokeNet welcomes our New Contributor, Rachel Stolz. Rachel brings the perspective of a young stroke survivor. She stroked at age 33 in 2011. Welcome Rachel!

Stroke Network is still in need of a News Administrator. In addition to writing a news story monthly for this newsletter, the News Administrator maintains a database of articles and adds articles to the web pages on a regular basis. Contact the editor if you are interested.

In this Issue...

Walt contributes an article about Alexia. David writes about the Importance of a Backup Plan - what happens if the Caregiver is not available?

The book "Stroke" by Walt Kilcullen is reviewed by Lin.

In "The Juggling Caregiver," Claudia reminds us spring is a time of renewal. Jim, in "Dancing with Stroke," reflects on a common post stroke occurrence, disassociation. Rachel in "Stroke of Luck" writes about the importance of physical fitness.

Bookends to this newsletter are Organization News and Member Celebrations. Be sure to read both!

Enjoy the May newsletter!

Lin Wisman

Director Information Resources

Editor, StrokeNet
lwisman@strokenetwork.org

Organization Highlights
By Steve Mallory CEO Be sure to check out the names of new members in April. Steve also gives some help which can assist users to use the site more effectively. Click Icon to Read the Article Contact Steve at smallory@strokenetwork.org

Alexia

Promising Research for Improved Reading

By Walt Kilcullen

Walt tackles the subject of Alexia, losing the ability to read or understand words, sentences, or, in some cases, even recognize letters. This article includes helpful hints to overcome Alexia.

Click Icon to Read Story

Importance of a Backup Plan

What Happens if Caregiver Disappears?

By David Wasielewski

Sometimes a Caregiver becomes ill or is otherwise not available to help the Survivor.

What if the Survivor is not able to explain procedures to someone else? It is important to have a written Backup Plan to prepare for such eventualities.

Click Icon to Read the Article

Contact David at newsletter@strokenetwork.org

Book Review

Stroke

Promising Research that Could Change Your Life

By Walt Kilcullen

Reviewed by Lin Wisman

Walt's second book covers current research which holds promise for the future treatment of stroke.

Rehabilitation ideas that may be helpful to readers are also explored. Finally Walt gives examples of famous people who have had strokes.

Click Icon to Read the Review

Contact Lin at lwisman@strokenetwork.org

The Juggling Caregiver

Renewal Time

By Claudia Warner

Claudia and Wes have big plans for starting spring. Check it out!

Wes recently returned to therapy for a few sessions. It was worth the effort. Is this something that would help you?

Click Icon to Read the Article

Contact Claudia at newsletter@strokenetwork.org

Dancing with Stroke

Disassociation

By Jim Sinclair

Jim reflects on disassociation, a common stroke problem. Survivors often disassociate themselves from their stroke experiences. The good news is this gets better over time.

Click Icon to Read the Article

Contact Jim at newsletter@strokenetwork.org

Stroke of Luck

Using Technology to Improve Physical Fitness

By Rachel Stolz

Rachel takes on the issue of physical fitness for stroke survivors. Exercising has great benefits for survivors. Rachel discusses technology which is now available to help.

Whether or not you decide to use technology, exercise can help improve your life.

Click Icon to Read the Article

Contact Rachel at newsletter@strokenetwork.org

Member Stories Invitation
Every survivor (and caregiver and family member) has their unique story. We would like to feature your story!! Our Member Story Administrator, Deb Theriault, writes the article with your input. Please consider being featured in a StrokeNet "Member Story" article. Click the Icon to learn more.

Member Celebrations

Birthdays and Stroke
Anniversaries
Compiled By Teri Truax
Celebrations Monitor

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 Icon to Read the Article

Contact Teri at newsletter@strokenetwork.org

Each month members' birthdays and Stroke Anniversaries, which they have placed in their message board profile, are listed in the newsletter.

Be sure your birthday and stroke anniversary are in your profile. From the home page of the Message Board, click the arrow next to your user id. From the drop down menu select My Settings.

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

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.

The Stroke Network, Inc. | P.O. Box 492 | Abingdon | MD | 21009