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Paul Berger & Stephanie Mensh's
Stroke Survivor
News & Attitude
For YOU
July 2007
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~~<<~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~>>~~~
1. NEWS: Research on Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation: Diabetes Increases Stroke Risk
2. PAUL’S SURVIVORS TIPS: Driving After Stroke
3. July is the Anniversary of the ADA
4. STEPHANIE'S CAREGIVERS TIPS: Speeding Up the Stroke Survivor
5. PAUL'S FAVORITES: Slang
6. WHAT'S NEW on: http://www.StrokeSurvivor
7. Stroke Reading Problems? Free Read-aloud Software
8. Subscribe
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Please forward this newsletter to your friends and
colleagues who would benefit from these tips.
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1. NEWS: Research on Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation: Risk of Stroke Reduced by Vitamin
New research links both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to an increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Researchers in Massachusetts reviewed the health records of women in the Nurses Health Study, and found significant relationships between diabetes and stroke, with the most common form, Type 2 diabetes, associated with 2 times the risk of stroke. Some risk was lowered in those women with diabetes who were actively controlling high blood pressure. For more details, visit the online Journal "Diabetes Care", click here.
For additional resources to help you find information on medical, health, rehabilitation, recovery, self-empowerment, and more, we have collected our favorite links, click here.
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2. PAUL’S TIPS FOR SURVIVORS: Driving After Stroke
July 4th Independence Day reminds me that personal independence is very important after a stroke. More than anything, I wanted to drive again. I was able to walk with a cane and leave my wheelchair behind after about 7 months of therapy. I waited until Spring to take a drivers education refresher course with a specially-trained and equipment driving school. They had a dual-control car, and after 3 lessons, declared that I was ready to drive on my own.
My right side is paralyzed, so my car needed 2 low-tech accomodations: (1) a knob on the steering wheel to give my one-handed driving more control, and (2) a gas-pedal extender so I could use my strong left foot to stop and go.
For more information, and to locate adapted drivers education and equipment in your area, visit the website of the ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists, click here.
Do you have a tip to share? Send it to me at
Paul@strokesurvivor.com for a free gift if we use it.
For additional resources to help you find information on medical, health, rehabilitation, recovery, self-empowerment, and more, we have collected our favorite links, click here.
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3. July is the Anniversary of the ADA
This July marks the 17th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilties Act. A report on activities relating to the ADA
will be released later this month by the National Council
on Disability, a federal government organization created by
the ADA. For details, click here.
This month, be inspired by listening to the true story of an every-day stroke survivor in the new AUDIO-book version of "How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an
Attitude.".
"My son is really enjoying the audio version of your book. (BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT I EVER PURCHASED) You guys did a GREAT job!!!"
-Patricia B., Greenville, Michigan
It's the complete and unabridged version, professionally recorded on 8 audio CDs, perfect for book clubs.
To listen to an excerpt & for more details, click here.
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 4. STEPHANIE'S CAREGIVERS TIPS:Speeding Up the Stroke Survivor
If you think exercising on a treadmill is boring, imagine *watching* someone exercise on a treadmill!
For the last 2 months, I've been Paul's coach and spotter as he works on a new physical therapy goal: learing to walk faster. Paul walks 4 sets of 5 minutes each increasing his speed on the treadmill. An average person walks about 3 miles an hour; Paul walks less than 2 miles an hour.
I'm a type A personality, and without even thinking, I zoom ahead down the block or through the store, leaving pokey Paul in the dust. One time Paul asked me if I walked ahead because I was embarrased to be with him. [No!] When I walk at his speed, we are always the last ones across the street, through the tour, or at the dessert table
So this was my idea. Over the years, I've had a few ideas that Paul's therapists have indulged. Some have worked, some haven't (the hinged leg brace that broke in Ireland was my idea...)
Survivors and their families should work closely with the professionals, like we do, to set meaningful goals to overcome important personal challenges. Like speeding up
I use the 20 minutes while Paul is on the treadmill as a break from my own stresses and problems, and appreciate his willingness to try to meet a goal I've set for him.
For more tips for caregivers, click here.
5. PAUL'S FAVORITES:Slang
My aphasia makes it difficult for me to understand some jokes and slang words. My favorite reference is: "The Dictionary of American Slang," by Robert L. Chapman, Barbara Ann Kipfer, and Harold Wentworth. I learned about it from my driver/companion many years ago, Lucy, who was born in Mexico, and used the book to improve her English.
This dictionary contains more than 19,000 American slang terms. You can view & order the book on Amazon.com, click here.
For details on Paul's reading list to overcome aphasia and
stroke, and to have a good attitude, click here.
For details on Paul-tested helpful products, click here.
6. WHAT'S NEW on the Stroke Survivor.com web site.We're adding helpful new things to our web site all the
time. Coming soon are links to:
* The Aphasia Toolbox website for professionals
and survivors
* The American Diabetes Association.
7. Stroke/Aphasia Reading problems?
After a stroke, many people have reading and other language problems, known as "aphasia." Hearing a sentence read aloud helps to understand it. You can hear this newsletter read aloud while each word is highlighted on the computer screen with the FREE text reader software.
8. SUBSCRIBE
Welcome to our online newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy each month, please sign up by completing the blue form on the right.
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Copyright (c) Paul E. Berger & Stephanie Mensh
Permission is granted to reprint these articles
in your newsletter or magazine only with the following byline:
"Paul Berger & Stephanie Mensh are speakers and authors.
To find out more about their programs and services,
visit www.StrokeSurvivor.com
or call (703) 241-2375."
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