Tips to Help Your Stroke Recovery

Stroke can change your life in an instant. It’s one of the most common causes of disability and death in Jamaica.

Recovery can be a long process of relearning just about everything – from speaking, reading and walking to how to eat independently. Starting the right rehabilitation program as soon as possible may help survivors recover better.

Here are six recovery tips for stroke survivors and their caregivers:

*Ask your doctor to assess the physical and cognitive challenges you face after a stroke and provide a specific plan to address each challenge.

*Work with your doctor on a plan to manage your risk of having another stroke. This may include being more active, quitting smoking and managing your blood pressure.

*Start your personalized rehabilitation program as soon as your medical team gives you the OK. Early rehabilitation matters. Recovery can take years, but the most rapid progress usually occurs during the first three months after a stroke.

*Ask your medical team what the best local rehab options are for you. Successful rehabilitation can happen anywhere, from a formal rehab facility to the comfort of your own home.

*Follow up regularly with health care providers. Some challenges – such as remembering medications – may not be immediately clear.

*If you're in need of essential supplies to help your recovery programme, Therapeutic Essentials has a wide selection of adaptable equipment to make your life easier. Visit our shop here.

Source: stroke.org

Investing in YOU

The number 1 thing you should put your time and energy in before anything else is your health. Investing in your health means being proactive, not reactive. Do the right thing by yourself now and harvest the rewards in years to come.

So here are 10 ways you can invest in your health:

Exercise

At minimum go for a walk. But build the healthy habit of movement and exercise. Movement is medicine.

Throw out your processed foods

If you can’t grow the food then don’t eat it

Put your phone down

Get away from the technology times of your day. Minimise social media time.

Practice mindfulness

Do what brings your mind to stillness. This doesn’t just mean meditation, it can be surfing, mowing the lawn, knitting or anything that keeps your mind still from unnecessary thoughts.

Practice deep breathing

There are many types of breath work don’t complicate it and do it.

Hobbies

Make time for the things you enjoy.

Take time to schedule your best life

Design the schedule you would love to live out. Then work towards making that schedule a reality

Get out into nature

Take yourself out of the day to day grind and go to the beach or a national park walk. And don’t sit on your phone while you are there, enjoy some time in nature.

Professional consultation

Consult the professionals that cater to your physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual health.

Set your goals

Take time to set some goals and make a plan to achieve them. Setting you intentions and detailing how you will make it happen puts you on the front foot when investing in your health.

Source: peakphysiology.com.au