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Paul Berger & Stephanie Mensh's
Stroke Survivor
News & Attitude
For YOU
February 2008
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~~<<~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~>>~~~
1. NEWS: Research on Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation:Poor Nutrition May Lead to Poor Stroke Outcomes
NEW: Complete Book Club System
2. PAUL’S SURVIVORS TIPS: Dining Out
3. STEPHANIE'S CAREGIVERS TIPS: Heroes Come in Many Shapes
4. PAUL'S FAVORITES: Kitchen Helper
5. New Movie on Stroke: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
6. WHAT'S NEW on: http://www.StrokeSurvivor.com
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:
Poor nutrition resulted in 7 times the risk for post-stroke complications, and 5 times the risk for a poor outcome 3 months post-stroke, according to a study published in the
prestigious journal, Archives of Neurology, by a group of
Korean researchers.
The researchers defined "undernutrition" by specific indicators of weight loss, low protein levels in the blood, and other factors, both at admission, and after the first week of hospitalization, suggesting that hospital nutrition levels are important.
Read the Archives of Neurology's abstract in the
January 2008 issue, 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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***NEW!! Complete Book Club System***
Research shows that stroke survivors and adults with all levels of aphasia benefit from book clubs to:
* relearn reading and communication skills
* improve social interaction
* talk about events & issues in their own lives.
Successful book clubs use specially-prepared study
materials and leader guides for carefully chosen books.
The all-inclusive Stroke Survivor Premium Book Club
System makes it easy & affordable:
For the same price that others offer ONLY the leader manual and study materials, you also receive five (5) "How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude" books, one (1) audio 8-CD book, one (1) FREE book for the group leader, PLUS discounts for other products by Paul E. Berger, award-winning stroke survivor with aphasia.
Any aphasia or stroke group can start a book club with these materials immediately!
To learn more, click here or click here. ========================================
2. PAUL’S TIPS FOR SURVIVORS: Dining Out
For special occasions, like Valentines Day, I enjoy taking
my wife to a nice restaurant. There are some challenges for
stroke survivors with aphasia & paralysis. Here are some
tips for an enjoyable evening:
1. I read the menu carefully and ask questions if I don't understand. If there are specials, I ask the server to slow down, and repeat them.
2. I try to say my selections, and I point to them on the menu, making the server come closer to see that he or she understands my order.
3. Fish is easy to eat with one hand, and I often order grilled fish because it's also good for you. But when I want a steak, veal, lamb, or chicken, I ask the server to have it cut in the kitchen. Sometimes it is hard to explain, but I show that I can only use one hand, and need the kitchen to cut the meat for me. This way, I don't feel like a child asking my wife or dining companion to reach over and cut my dinner for me.
4. I have a tip card in my wallet to help calculate the tip. I found mine at a greeting card store.
Other insights and tips for coping with life and taking control of your recovery after stroke are available on my website at http://www.strokesurvivor.com and in my books, "How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude," and "You Can Do It! 105 Thoughts, Feelings & Solutions to Inspire You
Do you have a tip to share? Send it to me at
Paul@strokesurvivor.com for a free gift if we use it.
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 3. STEPHANIE'S CAREGIVERS TIPS: Heroes Come in Many Shapes
Think about our action heroes: the latest James Bond, Daniel Craig, in Casino Royale, was almost like superman, jumping from towering cranes, reviving himself with a mini-defibrillator in his glove compartment. The muscular killing-machine Silvester Stallone is back as Rambo -- how old is he now -- is his latest enemy the nursing home industry?
They are tough, enduring pain, facing down fear and death. While others seem to be there to help, in the end, they must depend on their own strength to defeat their evil adversaries.
When I think about what Paul has overcome since his stroke, and when I really focus on his personal battles, he becomes my action hero. Everyday he fights pain, physical and communication limitations, unrelenting frustrations and
set-backs, rejection, fear. But he doesn't give in or give up. He taps a strength inside to lead a full life, and be a good friend, and a great husband.
When I'm bothered that we almost miss the beginning of the movie because it takes Paul longer to get ready, or when his aphasia makes it hard for him to convey his thoughts or feelings, I yell at him. That's my personality; I'm high-strung, one more challenge for him.
So on this Valentines Day, when Paul was whispering "sweet nothings" to me (aphasia gives this a new meaning!), I tell him that he is my action hero.
And don't forget all the female action heroes...sometimes I
feel like Sara Connors from the Terminator series. Every
time I turn around, I have to shoot a robot hounding me and
Paul.
I hope that other survivors and their families can recognize their heroes and celebrate their strengths and sacrifices.
For more tips for caregivers, click here.
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FIND INSPIRATION AND SOLUTIONS AT AT STROKESURVIVOR.COM
Stroke survivors, family, friends, professionals...anyone seeking inspiration, motivation, and more!
Find books, audio-books, tapes, and special tools created for stroke recovery by stroke survivor-expert, Paul Berger, click here.
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4. PAUL'S FAVORITES: Kitchen Helper
I like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. My favorites are apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, grapes, and sweet red
peppers. I use a brush with suction cups to hold it to the bottom of the sink under the faucet. It's quick and easy to use with one hand. You can also use it as a fingernail brush
To see one, click here
For details on Paul-tested helpful products, click here.
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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 is:
We have many useful links for survivors, families and professionals on rehabilitation, motivation, and to regain fulfillment posted to our Resource Links pages, click here.
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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