May is National Stroke Awareness Month

May is National Stroke Awareness Month.  Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.  It is the third largest cause of death in the United States, behind diseases of the heart and cancer.  A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot, or bursts.  When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs so it starts to die.

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke).  A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or 'mini-stroke', is caused by a temporary clot.  The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions.  If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should.  If the stroke occurs toward the back of the brain, for instance, it's likely that some disability involving vision will result.  The effects of a stroke depend primarily on the location of the obstruction and the extent of brain tissue affected.

While stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, it is also the leading cause of serious long-term disability.  While most strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older, strokes can occur at ANY age.  According to the National Stroke Association, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds, and taking a life approximately every four minutes.  Stroke can happen at any time to anyone, regardless of race, sex or age, although African-Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with Caucasians, and approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.

About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic, the remaining thirteen percent are hemorrhagic in origin, yet this type accounts for more than thirty percent of all stroke deaths.  The prevalence of TIAs increases with age.  Up to forty percent of all people who suffer a TIA will go on to experience a stroke.  There are an estimated 7,000,000 stroke survivors in the U.S. over age 20.  Medical risk factors include previous stroke, previous episode of TIA, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and carotid artery disease.  These risk factors can be controlled and managed with the help of a healthcare professional.

Here are some great ways to avoid stroke according to the National Stroke Association:

  - Know your blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a major stroke risk factor if left untreated. Have blood pressure checked yearly by a doctor or at health fairs, a local pharmacy or supermarket, or with an automatic blood pressure machine.  
 -  Identify atrial fibrillation (Afib). Afib is an abnormal heartbeat that can increase stroke risk by 500 percent. Afib can cause blood to pool in the heart and may form a clot and cause a stroke. A doctor must diagnose and treat Afib.
 - Stop smoking. Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It damages blood vessel walls, speeds up
artery clogging, raises blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Stopping smoking today will immediately begin to decrease risk.
 - Control alcohol use. Alcohol use has been linked to stroke in many studies. Most doctors 
recommend not drinking or drinking only in moderation ¡V no more than two drinks each day. Remember that alcohol can negatively interact with other drugs you are taking.
 - Know your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in blood that is made by the body. It also comes in food. High cholesterol levels can clog arteries and cause a stroke. See a doctor if your total cholesterol level is more than 200. 
 - Control diabetes. Many people with diabetes have health problems that are also stroke risk
factors. Your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine to help control your diabetes.
 - Manage exercise and diet. Excess weight strains the circulatory system. Exercise five times a week. Maintain a diet low in calories, salt, saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. 
 - Treat circulation problems. Fatty deposits can block arteries carrying blood to the brain and lead to a stroke. Other problems such as sickle cell disease or severe anemia should be treated.

If you have suffered a stroke, and now you're home from the hospital, what's next?  While every stroke is different, some types of disability or physical limitation is common.  Setting reasonable, step-by-step goals regarding these three important areas of your life may be a good next step for you:

 - Recovering as much independence and mobility as possible.
 - Staying safe while returning to activity (preventing falls).
 - Living your life as fully and comfortably as possible after your stroke.

Your attitude and effort matter most of all. Most stroke survivors who follow a rehabilitation plan regain significant function. The more you use your body, the better you will get.  Rehabmart carries an awesome array of helpful products for stroke victims from special beds and shower chairs to one-handed kitchen gadgets...and everything in between!

 You may be very interested in perusing a comprehensive resource and textbook available from Rehabmart, Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach by Glen Gillen and Ann Burkhardt.  This book remains the only comprehensive evidence-based text on the Occupational Therapy management of the stroke patient.  

                                                     

This book is based on the most up-to-date research on stroke rehab and presents its content in a holistic fashion, combining aspects of background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and treatment techniques and interventions.  Information includes specific functional aspects of living after stroke, such as driving, sexuality, mobility and gait, and self-care.  Intended for the Occupational Therapy care student, this is also a great resource book for anyone who has suffered a stroke themselves.

Rehabmart also carries the Universal Folding Stroke Walker made by TFI Healthcare.  This walker is designed for use with one hand, and the well balanced center grip may be positioned for either right or left hand use by simply depressing the locking button, rotating the lift handle to desired location and engaging in the slot to make sure the locking button is fixed.  

                                                                  

This special walker can be used by folks up to 400 pounds and has a solid steel frame which is adjustable in height from 30 to 40 inches, while the walker itself only weighs about 10 pounds.  It features over-the-toilet design, walker tips and replaceable parts such as snap-on-grips.

The Healthcraft Smart Rail offered by Rehabmart can be a wonderful safety addition for someone recovering from stroke.  The Smart Rail easily fits between any mattress and box spring to provide safer bed positioning and transfer support, helping to prevent falls.  

                                                                                                                            
Simply lift this rail gently to unlock and swing outward from the bed, which then allows this support rail to be placed in the ideal position for support and standing.  This support moves with you similar to using a walker, and installation is simple¡Xjust slide the support frame between the box spring and mattress, secure it with the safety straps, and set the rail height.  The Smart Rail accommodates weight up to 250 pounds.

One of the many kitchen aids that Rehabmart has available for stroke victims is the Bowl Holder with Bowl which is perfect for an individual with the use of only one hand.  The plated metal frame holds a stainless-steel bowl while mixing.  

                                          

To pour, simply lift the bowl from the frame by its large sturdy handle and pour manually.  For scraping, the bowl can be lowered into the slots in a pour position.  The frame has rubber feet to avoid slippage and the bowl has a 3 quart capacity.