Showing posts with label ▷ 2014 Feb 15. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ▷ 2014 Feb 15. Show all posts
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Def'n: Snowshoes for Stroke Survivor
Snowshoe From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SSTattler: Great for stroke survivors, no poles required, walk anywhere, no expertise in skiing, gimp leg is fine, ...
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A pair of modern snowshoes
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Traditional snowshoe
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Traditional snowshoes have a hardwood frame with rawhide lacings. Some modern snowshoes are similar, but most are made of materials such as lightweight metal, plastic, and synthetic fabric. In addition to distributing the weight, snowshoes are generally raised at the toe for maneuverability. They must not accumulate snow, hence the latticework, and require bindings to attach them to the feet.
In the past, snowshoes were essential tools for fur traders, trappers and anyone whose life or living depended on the ability to get around in areas of deep and frequent snowfall, and they remain necessary equipment for forest rangers and others who must be able to get around areas inaccessible to motorized vehicles when the snow is deep. However, today snowshoes are mainly used for recreation, primarily by hikers and runners who like to continue their hobby in wintertime. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, and in appropriate conditions is a relatively safe and inexpensive recreational activity. However, snowshoeing in icy, steep terrain is more dangerous.
Video: Snowshoes for Stroke Survivors
SSTattler: This articles it is for stroke survivors and usually a beginner with snowshoes. There are a hundreds from sprints of 100m to the 100km "Iditashoe" if you want to see it on hundreds of YouTube... BTW we even have DIY snowshoes at the last video YT. Thanks BST.
Sarolta Saskiw takes us on a frigidly festive snowshoe adventure.
Standard YouTube License @ ShawTVEdmonton
Snowshoe Adventure in Edmonton @ Whitemud Park
Published on Dec 9, 2013Sarolta Saskiw takes us on a frigidly festive snowshoe adventure.
Standard YouTube License @ ShawTVEdmonton
Saturday Comics
| For Better and For Worse Lynn Johnston - 2014/02/09  "You can go ahead an' talk about us, mom!" | Dilbert Scott Adams - 2014/02/09  "Only if you are prepared for your ritual shaming." |
Peanuts Charles Schulz - 2014/02/09 
"Here you are, Snoopy. There's even..."
| Doonesbury Garry Trudeau - 2014/02/09  "I don't see how this day could get any better!" |
** I tried to get low or free price at the people http://www.UniversalUclick.com/ for the images for the cartoons. It was too high for Stroke Survivors Tattler i.e. we are not a regular newspaper and our budget is very low. Fortunately, you will have to do only 1-click more to see the cartoon image, it is legit and it is free using GoComics.com and Dilbert.com.
Note: Now SSTattler are running cartoons starting on previous Sunday.
Eclectic Stuff
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Definition: Eclectic(noun) a person who derives ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
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Lecture About Snowshoeing at Mountain Equipment Co-op
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| Carrie Lewis Stroke Survivors Tattler |
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| John C. Anderson Stroke Survivors Tattler |
Boy, have you got some fun in store! You are now taking the first steps through a door, beyond which lie infinite possibilities in snow-based enjoyment. Snowshoes, quite simply, make it much more efficient to travel though snow-covered terrain. The winter world is your oyster, and now you have the means to explore nature in locations and environments that may have previously seemed inaccessible.I called Carrie and I told her "I'm ready to go but if you have a second pairs of snowshoes?" Of course she said, "lets go tomorrow at Hawrelak Park." I've got lots of skiing experience but I was dubious about snowshoes - I have a problem with a gimp leg and I can run but very slowly. Carrie told me she thought it was not a problem - lets try it anyway. Well, we went for about an hour and it was a blast. It is not a problem for stroke survivors - the only requirement is you need to walk.
That evening I was registered on the MEC seminar for Snowshoe by Monika Owczarek. I was little lazy about the title "Snowshoe Running 101..." - I did not read "...Running...". Her lecture for snowshoes is great anyway, even you are a beginner. She talked before the lecture and told about various type of snowshoes, the kind of various sport snowshoes, buy vs rent, recreational, running, mountaineering, .., Here is about her lecture and her brief biography:
MEC Expert Seminar:
Snowshoe Running 101 with Monika Owczarek
Price: Free
This free seminar will be hosted by Monika Owczarek, Canada’s snowshoe running champion, who has represented Canada at four World Championships. In this informative seminar, you will learn the differences in snowshoes available, how to wear your snowshoes, what apparel is required, training tips, and the best spots to snowshoe run in Edmonton.
This seminar is for anyone who wants to know how to start snowshoe running, or for those who would like to improve their technique and do more of this sport.
More about Monika:
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| Monika Owczarek |
- Four-time World Snowshoe racing Qualifier – 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Canadian Snowshoe Running Champion
- Provincial Trail Running Champion – B.C. 5 Peaks Series
- 3rd female – Dion Frontenac Snowshoe race Ontario 2012
- 1st female – Yeti snowshoe race Ontario 2012
- 1st female - Grouse Mountain Snowshoe race
- World Duathlon Championships – 2nd Canadian Female in Age group
- Top 10 at World Snowshoe Invitational during the Vancouver Olympic Winter games
- 3rd female – Grouse Mountain snowshoe race
- 3rd female – Self-Transcendence Duathlon
Snowshoe Races in Edmonton 2014
February 22, 2014 - Hawrelak ParkSnowshoe Races
Download the Snowshoe Races Registration Form
1KM Race | 10:00 AM
5KM Race | 10:30 AM
5km Race - If you can run, you can snowshoe. This race will start and finish in Hawrelak Park with part of the run on the trails. Snowshoe running is a fantastic cross-training workout and will keep you in shape in the winter. Come check out why so many athletes are getting into this fun sport.
1km Family Fun Run - Snowshoeing is for the whole family and anyone can do it. Kids are encouraged to participate in this shorter loop in Hawrelak park. The 1km run will start after the 5km has been completed.
Awards - Prizes for the top three finishers in each gender will be awarded in the 5km race, as well as awesome draw prizes for participants.
Snow Shoes for a Stroke Survivor
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| Rebecca Dutton Home After a Stroke |
Since my stroke I'm careful about venturing outside when it snows, but I'm not trapped inside until spring comes either. I never walk on snow covered concrete, gravel, or grass. because uneven slippery surfaces are a fall hazard. Oonce streets, sidewalks, and access to my car are clear I wear boots over my shoes to protect them from the slush. Boots I tried on at a shoe store would not fit over my leg brace. My leg brace won't let me point my toes which is a pre-requisite for donning boots. On-line I found the Neos overshoe with a Velvro opening that goes all the way down to my toes. The Villager model is lightweight and designed for occasional use which is perfect for me.
A video at www.overshoesonline.com shows how to don this boot. Warning #1: I do not put the boots on while standing as the video shows because I do not have good standing balance. My boots go on safely while I am sitting. A trick the video doesn't show is to make the ankle straps as long as I can before I put on the boots. After I snap the straps closed I pull on the ends of the straps to make them tight. Warning #2: The first set of boots I ordered was too big so they flopped around when I walked. Bottom Line: I get good traction from the treads and don't arrive with soggy shoes. I walk more slowly with boots on, but that beats not being able to keep important appointments like a visit to the doctor.
See the original article:
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Deadline - 2014 Neuro Film Festival
SSTattler: They will not show the 2014 Neuro Film Festival date until it is firm (last year was March 22nd 2013). I will put in ▶ Weekly Index March 29th 2014 Neuro Film Festival marked "tentative" until they firm up the date. BTW - Last year they had 80 films - 23 films (25%) about "stroke" or related topic.
Deadline - 2014 Neuro Film Festival
Now in its fifth year, the Neuro Film Festival aims to raise awareness about the need for why more funding is needed for research into the prevention, treatment, and cure of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Submit a video telling your - or a loved one's - story about why more research is needed to find cures for brain disease.
Winners could receive up to $1,000 and a chance to attend in April 2014 the Neuro Film Festival in Philadelphia to see their video shown at the American Academy of Neurology's 66th Annual Meeting, the world's largest meeting of neurologists. Deadline to enter is February 26, 2014.
Neuro Film Festival Contest Rules and Guidelines
- View the 2014 Neuro Film Festival Rules and Guidelines
- View the 2014 Neuro Film Festival Prizes and Judging Criteria
- List of Brain and Nervous System Diseases
Wanna Write a Book?
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| Peter G. Levine Stronger After Stroke Blog |
From the publisher of my book...You can email her directly (contact info, below) if you're interested. Best, -pete
"I’ve been thinking about two possible new books on stroke for our list and I wondered if you might know of anyone who might be interested in writing them:
A Caregiver’s Guide to Stroke: a handbook to help the caregiver, addressing all of the issues and best practices they should know about: creating and managing a health care team, dealing with the various physical, emotional and cognitive issues, etc. The right author would most likely be a social worker, therapist, or professional caregiver.Myths vs. Facts on stroke: a book aimed at dispelling the myths/misinformation about the causes, treatment, physical and cognitive impact of stroke."
Julia Pastore
Executive Editor, Demos Health Publishing
jpastore@demoshealth.com
See the original article:
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A Special Treat for Bob
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| Diane The Pink House On The Corner |
Bob rarely gets visitors, so it was a special treat for him on Sunday when his favorite Aunt and Uncle came to visit!
They are here in Florida to escape the weather up north.
I must say, it was really good to see Bob so happy and getting so much loving attention!!!
And now, it's back to normal for us---and off to the urologist today... (fun, fun)
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| Bob & Aunt Mary |
Sex Matters: Drugs Can Affect Sexes Differently
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| Dean Reinke Deans' Stroke Musing |
SSTattler: Important news - read it!
And what is our stroke world doing to determine if any changes are needed for the drugs we use? (tPA, warfarin, aspirin, anti-depressants, baclofen, botox). Anything at all?
Read: Sex Matters Drugs Can Affect Sexes Differently
Copyright © 2014 CBS Interactive Inc.
See the original article:
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"I Understand," He Said
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| Jo Murphey The Murphey Saga |
Confession time. They say confession is good for the soul. I know this is true. Being a minister, I've said it often enough.This weekend from Friday to Sunday was spent in a teary eyed haze. Part of the reason was the PBA I suffer since my stroke. Part of it was the circumstance I find myself in. Another part was me being on the pity pot and just so blasted angry, frustrated, and tired. My thoughts just wouldn't stop and to be truthful I wouldn't let them. But that's not my confession. That just is.
Thursday my husband's electric wheel chair decided to quit. It sounded like something had wrapped itself around the wheel and prevented it from moving. I thought if I could tilt it I could look under the thing and maybe fix it. While I could push it and rock it, there was no way to control the fall with only one hand. Remember forethought before action. So I tried to think of another way to do it and failed. I eventually gave up and called the company I bought it from.They picked it up and took it back to their shop. Friday morning they called with the bad news. One of the motors had fried. Because we bought it used it has no warranty. It is going to cost as much as we paid for the thing to fix this one motor and it has two. Knowing Murphy's Law so well, I figured as soon as we replace this one motor the other one will go out too. Not to mention we didn't have the funds to replace the first one.
Pregnancy
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| Amy Shissler My Cerebellar Stroke Recovery |
One of my favorite people just had a baby and she was telling me about some back pain that she had when she was pregnant, and continues to have. Let me tell you a little bit about the anatomy of the spine. The spine is curvy. That curve that goes in a little bit at your low back, that’s called lordosis. Move up the spine to the upper back, that curve is the opposite. This curve, the one that curves out a little bit, is called kyphosis.
Then at your neck the spine curves in a little bit again and you have some more lordosis. When all is said and done(I guess that saying doesn’t really apply here but whatever) the spine when looked at from the side should look like a backwards ‘S.’ The main thing you want to do when trying to have super duper good posture is maintain these curves.Pregnancy causes one to have a rather large belly. When looking at a pregnant woman from the side, it appears that she has increased lordosis in her lumbar spine(increased inward curvature of the low back). However, this is an optical illusion and is not the case. Actually, in most cases pregnancy will cause the lumbar spine to be kyphotic(increased outward curvature) because the fetus is actually pushing out on the lumbar spine so instead of creating more lordosis(inward curve), kyphosis(outward curve) is created despite looking very much like the low back is much more lordotic. For each condition, increased kyphosis or increased lordosis, there are certain things that you can do to help the back pain but the first step is figuring out why you are having pain and what your spine is doing which you cannot do by just looking at the spine or saying “well you’re pregnant, this is why you have pain…”
Does that make sense? Most PTs and doctors would not say this to you. That pregnancy causes your spine to do this but I’m very much used to saying things that people disagree with so believe what you will.
See the original article:
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Four Years Ago
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| Grace Carpenter My Happy Stroke |
The last time the Winter Olympics happened, I watched them from my bed at Spaulding Rehab.
Someone from my family would come almost every evening -- usually mother. She would help me eat, and keep me company. When it was time to watch the Olympics, she would turn on the TV and put it on the right channel. Changing the channel was still mystifying for me.
See the original article:
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The Visitor
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog entitled the Ten Commandments of Speech Therapy; The Teaching of Talking. In it I referred to one of the concepts of treating each and every patient as a V.I.P. (Very Important Person)
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| Marie |
She kept hugging me and telling me what a difference our work had made for them. He passed away 4 years ago before our therapy could conclude, and I was a special guest at the funeral.
Well, yes, they were treated like V.I.P’s; but really it was like my professor in college used to say repeatedly in speech pathology classes. Treat each person who comes to you as if they were your mom, your dad, your brother or sister, son or daughter. If you could treat them that way, no matter what, they will work for you, improve, and you will have a “friend for life.”
Best, Mark
Mark A. Ittleman, M.S., CCC/SLP
Senior Speech Language Pathologist
The Teaching of Talking:
Please stop by our website and visit. If there is anything I can ever do to help you in any way, please do not hesitate to drop me a line at markittleman@teachingoftalking.com or visit our website at http://www.teachingoftalking.com. Please feel free to share this with your colleagues or friends.
See the original article:
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Dangerously Uninformed About Stroke
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| Jeff Porter Stroke of Faith |
The link (below) tells the story of a stroke survivor and points out a sad - but obvious - fact. Stroke risk factors and stroke symptoms are not well know.
Read the story about the survivor and the cold facts about stroke prevention and symptoms:
Stroke, which strikes some 795,000 Americans each year and kills about 130,000, is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. and a leading cause of disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are roughly 6.8 million stroke survivors in the U.S. And yet it is largely misunderstood.
"The public is dangerously uninformed about stroke," said Jim Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association, a nonprofit advocacy group based in Englewood, Colo.
Strokes happen in the brain, but the underlying causes often begin in the cardiovascular system. The good news is that 80 percent of strokes can be prevented, Baranski said, if people control the risk factors that make them more susceptible and recognize early stroke signs.Check out the stroke signs with this video:
Standard YouTube License @ otable
See the original article:
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The Will...
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| Jackie Poff Stroke Survivors Tattler |
So, he says to them:
"Bernie, I want you to take the Mayfair houses."The nurse is just blown away by all this, and as Harold slips away, she says,
"Sybil, take the apartments over in Pall Mall .."
"Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the City Centre."
"Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the banks of the Thames ."
"Mrs. Smith, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have accumulated all this property".Sarah replies,
"Property? ... the arsehole had a paper route!"
Evolution and Stroke: It's an Everyday Occurrence
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| Joyce Hoffman The Tales of a Stroke Patient |
Lists are a way to keep track of the things you should -- or should not -- be doing or have done. When you're done with the list, presumably you're finished with all the things listed on the list. But are you really? The lists are usually in 5s or 10s, convenient, familiar numbers to use. Take a look at some samples:
5 Foods That You Should Never Eat (I still eat 3 out of 5)
5 Stages of Grief for Chiefs Fans (They were doing so great for a while)
5 Stages of the Sleep Process (If you think of the 5 stages, you won't go to sleep)
5 Stocks With Big Insider Buying (Wall Street sucks)
5 Books to Help You Reach Your Goals for 2014 (Reach your goals? Really?)
5 Signs You May Have Prediabetes (Or maybe the actual diabetes)
5 Best Films Oscars Nominations (They usually come in 5s)
The Top 10 Lists of David Letterman (Er, that is, David Letterman's writers)
Best 10 Movies of Matthew McConaughey (It's the dimples...anything he's in, I like)
5 Years After, 10 Things to Remember (I could think of a lot of things if this article was called, "10 Years After, 5 Things to Remember")
Lists are completely and purposely definitive. But are there only 5 or 10? How about if there's so much more? Take Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, for example. She was the author of the 1969 legendary bestseller, On Death and Dying, and a psychiatrist, who died in 2004. I wonder if she took her own advice about death and followed all the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. In one article, she said that she was ready for death after suffering multiple strokes. But was she really? Known as the Kubler-Ross model, did she skip the first 4 stages and go directly to acceptance? I have my doubts.Yale University conducted a study of bereaved individuals between 2000 and 2003, based on the Kubler-Ross model, and concluded from their findings that half were consistent with the five-stage theory and others were conflicing with the model. P.K. Maciejewski said in 2007, in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), several letters were also written and published in JAMA, criticizing this finding and belittling "the stage" concept because, for one thing, the Kübler-Ross model didn't evaluate the support--friends and family--aspect.
Top 12 #Inspirational Quotes That Have #Inspired Me!
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| Kate Allatt A Rocky Stroke Recovery |
I thought these were a great little reminder as I approach my 4 year ‘re-birth’ today. Very corny, but true.Before (and certainly after my episode), I have never been happy to use the words ‘journey’ or ‘re-birth’. They make me cringe.
But reaching my ‘new-normal’ (whatever normal is) all started on this exact day, 4 years ago.At precisely 18.09 mine (& my family’s life) took a very different path and everything I thought I was working towards was torn up in an instant.
I discovered that I love helping others. Helping them also helps me. It’s a win:win.
In my darkest moments, these were little gems of inspiration to me.
Little upbeat quotes posted on-line were a huge help when I was coping with my severe illness.
I’d founded the charity http://www.FightingStrokes.org, written two books (with my third self-help book – I Am Still The Same Ebook, due in November 2014).
I’ve always set myself hard physical challenges to help me progress improve, as much as possible.
Fortunately, I have improved significantly.
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