When Akira had a hemorrhagic stroke in June 2008,everyone was shocked! How could a young, lively university student have a stroke? Akira was active and fun. All though school she won awards, and now just as Akira was all set to begin her final year of a Combined Honours degree in English and History, St. Thomas More College of the University of Saskatchewan she had a stroke. The cause of her stroke was an arterial malformation which was originally diagnosed as brain syndrome Moyamoya.
After many months of recovery at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton, Akira went on to help other brain injury survivors. She volunteered at Networks Activity Centre (Edmonton). Her good sense of humour and willingness to help others, as well as her perseverance, were recognised by two awards: the GlenmoreAward of Courage and a Brain Injury Association Bursary.
Akira always wanted to be a teacher. Some people thought she would never be able to complete university after a large stroke, but others like Glenrose social worker, Patrick Hirschi were encouraging.
On May 28th, 2010, Akira graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and was honoured with the award for the graduating student with the highest marks in history by St. Thomas Moore college. In 2012, Akira will once again put on graduation robes from the University of Alberta Faculty of Education. She will reach her next goal — teacher.
Read about Akria’s Awards on the web:
Akira’s suggestions for ―Putting the Possibility in Stroke Disability:
- The best thing I can say about putting the possibility into stroke disability is actually ripped off Nike.. "Just do it."
- The most important resource after stroke is also a group of the most fun, inspirational and amazing people I've ever encountered... other stroke survivors.
Stroke Recovery Association of Edmonton Resource Guide
Want to find services and supports for stroke? Consult the SRAE Resource Guide.
Have Aphasia? Let your I Phone speak for you!
New convenient tool for people with aphasia or apraxia.
Help us Win—100,000 Euros !
What could we offer to stroke survivors if we won 100,000 Euros? Certainly a Getting on with the Rest of Your Life After Stroke program!
Who is offering the chance to win? The pharmaceutical firm BoehringerIngelheim has developed a new treatment to prevent stroke from atrial fibrillation. They want people to know that stroke from atrial fibrillation can be prevented.
Please go on line to vote! You can vote every day until June 22!
Water in Motion: Steadward Centre
This shallow water adapted aquasize class provides cardiovascularendurance, resistance training, balance and flexibility exercises for individuals with mobility impairments in a fun group environment.
- Pool Lift and Flotation devices available
- Participants requiring one-on-one assistance in the change rooms or in the pool will be required to bring an attendant or volunteer for assistance.
- Parking Pass available for $20
WHEN: Tuesday/Thursday April 5– June 2 1:00– 2:00pm
COST: $25.00/ one day per week $40.00/ two days per week
WHERE: West Pool - University of Alberta
For more information about the Steadward Centre.
To register: E-mail Nozomi Kamei – Adapted Physical Activity Consultant or call (780) 492-9236.
A recent Cochrane review for water-based exercise to reduce impairment and improve activities of daily living after stroke called for better research.
The evidence from randomized trials so far does not confirm or refute that water-based exercises might help to improve activities after stroke. The authors said better designed studies with larger numbers of participants are needed.
We think stroke survivors in Edmonton would love to participate in research. BRING ON the research studies on Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation!
(Reference: Mehrholz, J., Kugler, J., & Pohl, M., (2011) Water-based exercises for improving activities of daily living after stroke. Cochrane Database Syst. Review. )
Social Support “Mediates” Quality of Life
Social support is the emotional, information, and practical comfort we give to and receive from family, friends, co-workers and others. Social support is reciprocal. We give social support to others and we receive social support when we need it. Social support is the knowledge that we are part of a community of people who love and care for us and value and think well of us AND people who we can love and care for and we think well of. Social support —— having a family or friends who care about us and are willing to help is the best predictor of a better outcome after stroke including: being able to go home from hospital after stroke, recovery from stroke impairments, and better quality of life post stroke. Recent research on social support discovered that social support “fully mediated” or influenced the prediction of quality of life and “partially influenced” post-stroke depression. Read the full research article on our website: Mediating roles of social support...
Physiotherapy late after stroke
Physiotherapy is usually provided only in the first few months after stroke, because its effectiveness in the chronic phase are uncertain. A recent systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCT) evaluated if physiotherapy improved functional outcomes late after stroke.
Fifteen studies (700 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcomes from the original studies showed significant effect of the therapy especially when short and long distance walking were considered.
Conclusions: A variety of physiotherapy interventions improve functional outcomes, even when applied late after stroke. These findings challenge the concept of a plateau in functional recovery of patients who had experienced stroke and should be valued in planning community rehabilitation services. Ferrarello et al., (2010) J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2011.
Physiotherapy in Edmonton Communities
Community Neurological Physical Therapy Services are available to all Albertans whohave had a stroke with a valid Alberta Personal Health Number.You can access these services at:
- CBI Health Centre 5013-49 Ave, Leduc, 780-980-9162
- Devon Physical Therapy 17 Athabasca Ave, Devon, 780-987-3582
- In Step Physical Therapy 12204– 107 Ave, Edmonton, 780-454-5432
- Parkland Rehabilitation 221 Campsite Rd, Spruce Grove, 780-962-1692
- Synergy Wellness, 501 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, 780-449-0544
- Sturgeon Valley Physiotherapy, 31 Liberton Dr, St Albert, 780-459-5015
Putting the Possibility into Stroke Disability
The Stroke Recovery Association of Edmonton is an active community association that provides stroke survivors, their families, and care-partners with activities, education peer support, and connection to Edmonton-based resources in an encouraging and compassionate atmosphere.
You can help make the Stroke Recovery News useful!
- Send us your pictures
- Tell your story
- Phone us with your questions
- Give us suggestions for services that are helpful
E-mail Sharon or visit the web Stroke Recovery Association of Edmonton.
Older, Bolder, Better Senior Fair
Event includes: free admission, free coffee, program demos, arts cafe, variety show, health & wellness trade fair, silent auction, bake sale, book sale, buffalo BBQ, and vendors market.
Sponsored by: Westend Seniors Activity Centre
Location: 9629 - 176 Street
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Contact: Hayley Weedon - 780-483-1209
Location: 9629 - 176 Street
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Contact: Hayley Weedon - 780-483-1209
Seniors' Tour and Tea at the Alberta Legislature
June 6 to 10th
Reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis starting April 11, 2011. Celebrate Seniors' Week with a tour & tea at the Alberta Legislature. Reminisce to stories of the men and women who founded our province, and admire the grand architecture of this historic building. Visit for more information.
Sponsored by: Legislative Assembly of Alberta
Location: Alberta Legislature, 10800 - 97 Avenue
Time: 9:15 am - 10:30 am
Contact: Visitor Services - 780-427-7362
Aphasia — do people want written information?
If written information is provided in an aphasia-friendly format, it can be easier for people with aphasia to understand. However, Rose and her colleagues in Australia thought people with aphasia needed to be asked.
The asked 40 adults with aphasia:
- Whether they want to receive written stroke and aphasia information;
- When they prefer to receive this information; and
- Their preferences for media (print, internet, videos).
Participants thought it important to receive written information about both stroke and aphasia. BUT, they wanted to receive written information at several stages post stroke, particularly from 1 month onwards. The largest proportion (97%) of participants believed that 6 months post stroke as the most helpful time to receive information. They thought that information should be accessible throughout the post stroke continuum.
Read the full article on the web about aphasia.
U-Tube— Information you can watch about Stroke
You can watch stroke videos on u-tube. Watching a video might be another way for you to get information.
- How do you remember actor Kirk Douglas? Kirk talks about stroke and aphasia on U-Tube.
- After you watch Kirk Douglas, you might want to watch 19 year old Sarah Scott talk about stroke and Broca's aphasia.
- Recovering emotions after stroke.
Best Practices: Quality in Stroke
Quality indicators are becoming more common in clinical medicine. Research studies confirm the most effective ways to treat a particular condition or disease including chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke. Researchers analyze the results of many studies in systematic reviews or meta-analysis and make best practice recommendations. You can find a variety of best practices for stroke. The Evidence Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation is another good source of current evidence based information.
Senior’s Transportation Guide
The Alberta Motor Association and the Edmonton Seniors Coordinating Counsel’s, Seniors Transportation Guide is a valuable resource for stroke survivors, care-partners, and families. You can find it online at Senior Transportation Guide.
The AMA has several good resources that can be picked up at any AMA office:
The Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization in partnership with the University of Alberta. Each Spring, they have three weeks of learning and fun!
This years Spring Session is May 2 - May 20, 2011. Choose up to five courses a day from a list of 28! One low fee of only $220 gets you into most classes. The art courses are an additional $25. Noon hour speakers and other special events are included as well.
- A booklet: How to Help an Older Driver : AAA guide for planning safe transportation.
- A Quiz : 55 plus Drivers Quiz Check your Own Performance Quiz AAA 15 question self-assessment rating quiz regarding driving skills and habits.
- A computerized tool (used at home on your computer) to assess your vision, reaction time and other driving skills: Roadwise Review CD-ROM
- A course: Drivers 55 Plus An educational series of classroom seminars designed to update aging drivers on rules of the road and keep them driving as long as safely possible.
- Lessons: Brush Up Lessons A 1 hour coaching session with a driving instructor to refresh your driving skills. And AMA Driver Education Offers courses for all ages and driving abilities.
Check for more information on Driving and Alternatives to Driving our new website.
Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA)
The Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association (ELLA) is a volunteer, non-profit organization in partnership with the University of Alberta. Each Spring, they have three weeks of learning and fun!
This years Spring Session is May 2 - May 20, 2011. Choose up to five courses a day from a list of 28! One low fee of only $220 gets you into most classes. The art courses are an additional $25. Noon hour speakers and other special events are included as well.
For information on the courses and registration check out the course calendar.
Phone (780) 492-5055
ELLA
ELLA
Room 2-936B,
10230 Jasper Ave,
Edmonton, AB
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