|
Paul Berger & Stephanie Mensh's
Stroke Survivor
News & Attitude
For YOU
July 2006
=======================================
~~~<<~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~>>~~~
1. NEWS: Research on Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation
2. PAUL’S SURVIVORS TIPS: Summer Vacation Travel
3. STEPHANIE'S CAREGIVERS TIPS: How to Advocate, Part 3: Legal Action
4. PAUL'S FAVORITES: 40,000 Words
5. WHAT'S NEW on: http://www.StrokeSurvivor.com
6. July 26 Celebrate the 16th Anniversary of the ADA: National Town hall Meeting
7. Stroke Reading Problems? Free Read-aloud Software
8. Subscribe
============================================
Please forward this newsletter to your friends and
colleagues who would benefit from these tips.
============================================
1. NEWS: Research on Stroke Recovery & Rehabilitation
Swelling in the brain, neuron loss, and death after stroke was significantly reduced by a drug commonly used for treating diabetes. The drug, glibenclamide or glyburide,was tested in rats, and seems to work by blocking certain ion channels that allow sodium ions and water to flood brain cells when deprived of oxygen after a stroke.
This drug is very promising since it has been used to treat type 2 (adult onset) diabetes for decades with few side effects. The research is being conducted by JM Simard, MD, PhD, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine under a grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. For details, 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.
2. PAUL’S TIPS FOR SURVIVORS: Summer Vacation Travel
If you like to travel, don't let your stroke stop you! With a little advance planning, you should be able to enjoy yourself, especially if you select the right place to stay.
When I travel, I want to spend a lot of time sightseeing. However, after my stroke, I found that I was spending a considerable amount of time in the hotel, because it takes longer to wash and dress, and I get tired earlier in the evening. Here are some key things to consider:
* Bathroom. Even though I no longer use a wheelchair, I ask for accessible bathrooms, for the safety of grab-bars and seats.
* Stairs. If there is no elevator, I ask for a room on the ground floor.
* Access. I look for places that have restaurants or restaurants nearby. Also, when possible, I prefer places that are in safe, easy walking distance to sightseeing attractions.
* View the place. Most places have web sites with online photographs. Seeing the place helps me decide if it will be right for me. For example, when we went to Ireland, we used the Irish Tourist Board's guidebook with photos and detailed descriptions of numerous bed-and-breakfasts. We were able to select modern-looking one-level guest houses that offered a private bathroom. That way, I wouldn't have to worry about climbing stairs to get to our room or to the bathroom.
* Call and ask questions before you book your room.
For more travel tips, read my free article.
For stories about travel in the US & abroad, and other real-life adventures after stroke, and inspiration to live a full life, read my book, "How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude," 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.
 3. Stephanie’s Tips for Caregivers: How to Advocate, Part 3: Legal Action
There are three types of advocacy: (1) personal advocacy by individuals, family members, friends or others to obtain benefits and services from public or private service providers (see May's newsletter); (2) political or policy advocacy by lobbyists and concerned citizens to change government systems (see June's newsletter); and (3) legal advocacy by a lawyer to navigate legal processes.
Most caregivers learn to be personal advocates by on-the-job training, and some translate these new skills and passion into political or policy advocacy. Sometimes, however, the only way to get the services or resources you need is by taking legal action, with the help of a lawyer.
Legal advocacy does not necessarily mean going to court. Most often, a lawyer can advocate for you through telephone calls and correspondence. Most legal actions relate to contract or financial problems, such as insurance companies paying on claims, or negotiating with creditors to prevent foreclosure or bankruptcy.
When Paul had his stroke following brain surgery, we decided to refinance the mortgage on our house. Our lawyer prepared a "power of attorney" so I could attend settlement alone, since Paul was too ill to leave the hospital.
Since lawyers specialize in different areas, look for one who specializes in your particular problem. Ask your family lawyer to refer you to a specialist, or contact the local bar association, or local legal aid organization. The American Bar Association has online referral links.
For more tips for caregivers, click here.
============================================
INSPIRATIONAL SPEECHES & PRACTICAL TIPS TO SUCCEED!
Do you want to maximize stroke recovery and be motivated to regain a fulfilling life? Learn first hand by bringing Paul and Stephanie to your organization.
Call us for your next program, conference, convention, seminar, workshop, or sales meeting. We provide personalized presentations and workshop services. Email us at: Paul@StrokeSurvivor.com, call 703-241-2375, click here.
For details of our recent presentations at Harvard, click here.
============================================
4. FAVORITES: 40,000 Words!
"40,000 Selected Words" by Valeda Blockcolsky, Joan M. Frazer, and Douglas H. Frazer is a book I used three times a week with my speech tutor, for many years.
My speech pathologist would select a sound for me to practice, then my tutor and I would pick out the words from this book. It has one, two, three, and four syllable words, so you can pick easier or harder words to practice, with the sounds in different parts of the word
For details on other helpful books, click here.
5. WHAT'S NEW on the Stroke Survivor.com
website.
We're adding new things to our web site all the time. Visit our Resource Links section to learn about these new additions.
Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Email us at Paul@strokesurvivor.com.
6. JULY 26 CELEBRATE the 16th Anniversary of the ADA: National Town hall Meeting
The National Council on Disability, a government organization, will host the "National Dialogue on the State of Disability," July 26, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at the National Press Club, Washington, DC.
The day will begin with a presentation by NCD Chairperson Lex Frieden on the current state of disability, based on findings from NCD's soon-to-be released annual report, "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report."
Mr. Frieden's presentation will be followed by a keynote address by Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Gordon Mansfield. This will be followed by an interactive session with panels of government officials and consumers, and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions. You can also ask questions by email. For details, 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.
~~<<>>~~
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."
|
