An article in the StrokeNet newsletter “Fuel for the Journey” by Lin Mouat

Managing Your Energy

I used to be able to force myself to do more than my body allowed. In the past, I’ve often pushed to the point of feeling sick – something I wouldn’t recommend. I got away with overdoing for many years, until, over a period of time, physical ailments assailed me – each one depleting me more.

By the time I had bilateral strokes, I was already struggling with the affects of Fibromyalgia, and the strokes pretty much drained my energy.

A few of the things that can affect our energy are:
• Medications
• Physical difficulties
• Age
• Level of activity, which for many of us can be dictated by our physical and pain issues
• Lack of sleep. I think that sleep patterns is an individual thing.
• Attitude.

Click on StrokeNetwork to read more

“Just Trying To Take Care Of You” is an article by Lyn Mouat in her segment “Fuel for the Journey” for the StrokeNet Newsletter.

Depending on someone else for things I used to do myself is hard.
When we went on a cruise this spring, we ordered a scooter to help me get around. It included a wheel chair. At times, the chair was more convenient than the scooter. I found being in that chair extremely frustrating and humbling.

I wanted to control everything while in that chair. The truth is, I really had no control at all and needed to trust Gary to wheel me around safely.

Being my full time caregiver, Gary Read On

 The Speech language Department (Health Division) – Government of Malta- Public Health Service is currently organizing the website located at:  Malta Speech Language Department

Their mission is to identify communication difficulties and to design, implement and evaluate programs for intervention which maximizes the communication abilities of their clients.

Their role includes both the care of the individual and the education of the community. We offer guidance, diagnostic assessments, intervention, support and information for both clients and their careers. We recommend and encourage changes which could result in more effective intervention for our clients.

Review by Lance Armstrong: “Jerry White brings his insight and experience to bear expertly for those facing life’s unexpected challenges.  He embodies the spirit of survivorship.”

From Amazon.

Author: Norman Doidge, M.D.

Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science,

Well I read this book on several recommendations after a brief bit of research on the plasticity of the mind. I was definitely not disappointed and to be honest, I really loved this book. It was a fascinating, revealing look at how how thoughts and actions can truly change the structure of our mind and it does so in a hopeful examination of many brain changing breakthroughs.

Doidge is an amazing Canadian author and he simplifies the most complex of sciences into clear, vivid stories and experiments that demonstrate the astonishing changes the brain can make and in turn, transform the people housing them.

Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity has been formed by the discovery that the human brain is extremely malleable. Scientists have long known this is true with infancy, but the science now extends well into old age. In classical neuroscience, the adult brain was considered to be hardwired and a continuous working machine once formed. Specific brain areas and maps were labeled with a specific purpose and little was known about if or how these areas could be replaced or repaired so it led to the common belief that you can’t easily mold the brain.
Who is the Book For?

This book drives home a paradigm shift in brain study and it has great value not only to those with a neurological disease, but for any human being with the curiosity and willingness to discover more about the makeup of their own abilities to learn, which is what interested me so much!

Doidge has numerous examples of neurologically diseased patients who gain from this revolutionary science to improve their condition. Cases are studied from many severe conditions

Read More

Order from Amazon or Bookstores near you.

Sara’s Story is about one family’s faith and support from friends and church in overcoming the impossible. It also chronicles the battles fought with insurance companies to get Sara the coverage needed for recovery so that she can live an independent life. The woman, who after 10 days in ICU was to never walk, talk, or interact with people again, now drives a car, has gone back to work, and takes care of her children.

From Massachusetts
…I am writing to you after reading Sara’s remarkable story; I found it very inspiring! It goes to show you how much our Faith plays in the recovery of our loved ones, thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I am a Catholic and attend Mass every Sunday, I sing in my Church Choir and we have a very prayerful community that is there for one and other as well, I don’t know what I would have done without them!…”

From Georgia
“…and its Men like You, Sir, that makes me want to be a better Man to my wife…. I can tell you’re a Christian…….May God Bless you more in everything you do!…”

From Georgia “…I’ve had the book for 2 hours and I can’t put it down. …”

To Order: Barnes and Nobel .

or Amazon.co.

A treatment center located in north Toronto that is dedicated to training volunteers and partners of aphasic individuals to communicate with them. The aphasia centre is a community-based agency which provides support and education for adults with aphasia.

The Aphasia Institute

Author: Chris DeWald for Stroke Network.org

Often faced with “you have reached your insurance limit” or “we believe you have reached your possible learning rehabilitation,” we want to give up. Stroke denial can take a perilous turn in our lives especially if it is garnished by people that surround us with a negative attitude.

Don’t let anyone take your resolve away. I did not believe that I was different and that was for sure a denial. Now whether you are in denial or not, I am here to show you some ways to assist to get that brain motivated. Gee, if you have fun along the way, more power to you.

First, many of you are faced with monetary restrictions. In other words “No Cash”…..You found yourselves here so that is a great start. For me, I found myself with that 6 month waiting period for SSI . No cash flow. However, I found I had skills left to research on the computer for places on the internet that were “free” without any downloading. Just go there and “have fun” and also retrain that brain.

I enjoy the site www.gamesforthebrain.com .

The list include:

Dragger | Counterfeit | Guess the Colors | Rotate | Rotate² | Chinese Checkers | Colored Lines | Masterpieces | Mastercards | Sudoku | Reversi | Mastermind | TwinCol | NumberHunt | MineHunter Crime Scene | Mahjongg Solitaire | What Was There? | The Image Quiz | TriviaNut | Guess the Flag Marsmoney | Memocoly | Checkers | Chess Lettermaze | Anagramania | Guess the Place! | Letterama | SquareWords | What Word? | Spellice What Did I Search For? | The WordHunt Game | SpeedType | SpeedRead

This site has the ability to select languages. There is no sound and that is great for people with brain injuries. Mastercards is similar to an old favorite TV show called “Concentration.” Use Dragger to put pieces together to form a picture. Masterpieces will remind you of therapy and memory. Mastermind is an advance therapy version of masterpiece. Number hunt brings out your math abilities and eye coordination…Hey Gang, Have mouse will travel.

Read more .

Another good site for Brain Exercise is www.fitbrains.com and Lumosity .

The Stroke Trials Directory is a continuously updated registry of randomized clinical trials. This project is a joint effort of the Internet Stroke Center at Washington University School of Medicine, the American Stroke Association and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

This directory is intended for health professionals and research scientists.

For Patients and families seeking trial information: . To learn about clinical trials in stroke, or to find a trial near you, please visit Clinical Trial Listings and Resources in our Patients and Families section or Click Here.

Their Mission:
STROKE OF HOPE FOUNDATION is an organization committed to improving quality of life for people by creating stroke awareness, promoting prevention and providing support for stroke survivors, their care partners and families by encouraging physical and emotional recovery, and maintaining an on-line support system. It is our firm belief that the level of recovery for all concerned is largely contingent upon attitude, adjustment and tenacity. Survival is just the beginning. We want to help you reach far beyond that.

Click on Stroke of Hope to learn more.