World Stroke Day is October 29...
Did you know that?

The World Health Organization has designated Saturday as World Stroke Day. Their goal is to put stroke front and center on the world health agenda. Stroke is not just a devastating illness in the United States, but it's a worldwide issue that doesn't always get the attention and focus it needs. The National Stroke Association has several ideas for how you can help advocate for stroke at http://goo.gl/yAFzD.  On a personal level, you can honor World Stroke Day by knowing the symptoms of stroke and how to get help, and making sure your family and friends do too.
 

Tailwind and Steve Jobs Changed His Life

Mark, a 35-year-old businessman who lives in Connecticut, experienced a stroke last year. Mark shared this story with me recently about two particular inventions that have had an impact on him - the iPhone and the Tailwind.

"A couple of years ago, I used my Nokia 1100 cell phone for the last time. Like millions of others had already done, I headed to the Apple store to buy an iPhone 3. Until then, I had stubbornly held out despite the recommendations of earlier iConverts. I loved my Nokia - it was small, it was tough and it was a great phone."

But it was only a great phone and that, it turned out, was the fatal flaw. Steve Jobs had dreamed of a better thing and then - against the odds - he delivered it. Tragically gone at just 56, Jobs accomplished more in the field of technological innovation than anyone since Henry Ford or Thomas Edison. The iPhone has allowed Mark and millions of others do things with a phone they never thought possible. "I don't know why I waited so long. I should have followed the herd," Mark thought.

After his stroke, Mark tried several therapies - various types of electrical stimulation and exercises - both in therapy centers and at home to improve his arm movement. None of these gave him back the arm function he had hoped for or even showed any signs of improvement. Then in July of this year, he was searching the web for arm rehabilitation therapies and came across the Tailwind device. As soon as he saw the Tailwind, he immediately thought "this is for me." He read about the science behind the Tailwind, and knew that someone like him would respond to the therapy. He was, however, a bit skeptical because of the other therapies he had already tried. He was also concerned that he would not be able to use the device because he had so little arm movement and because the spasticity of his arm meant it was continually in a flexed position. He ordered the Tailwind anyway and started using it as soon as it arrived.

Within three weeks, he noticed some voluntary extension in his arm for the first time. Now, after three months, he can straighten his arm without using the unaffected arm to help. Functionally he now uses his weaker arm to push with and help him sit up when getting out of bed.

Mark says: "The Tailwind is helping me to get back the arm movement I thought was lost. I know that the Tailwind is the best therapy for me, just like I knew the iPhone was the right choice for me.  I am just glad I did not hold out so long to buy the Tailwind, which is beginning to change my life, like the iPhone did but in a much more meaningful way."

"Now I laugh when I think about the other products I spent money on - the Tailwind is the best product I can use for my arm therapy.  Why are you waiting - get your Tailwind now!"  

Women With Depression Suffer More Strokes

Women who are depressed are nearly 30% more likely to experience a stroke than women of the same age group without depression. There is no complete explanation for this, but it's possible that women with depression are likely to eat poorly, get less physical activity, or smoke. Click here to read more.

Featured (re)Sources

Apple Releases Metronome App

Aphasia? Do you live near Baltimore?
SCALE, the Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement, is a wonderful resource for people with speech impediments following stroke or other brain injury. They have openings for new patients -- if you live in mid-Maryland and want to see what they offer, call 410-323-1777.

TONS of Rehabilitation Info on this National Site

October 2011