Neurogenesis (#2)

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

It was long thought that we were born with as many brain cells as we'll ever have.  The brain never regenerates itself, regrows and replaces dead ones after injury or stroke.

My book, "Live or Die - A Stroke of Good Luck" tells why this is not true, that brain cells regenerate, new cells actually grow and replace dead ones.  And, if this were not true, I wouldn't be alive, functioning, learning  to play a new sport, writng a book.

Read all about this in the new Winter Edition of "StrokeSmart," Magazine published andf distributed nationally by the National Stroke Association.

More on the medical studies, doctors, scientists, countries to come.

See the original article:

Neurogenesis (#2)

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

Richard L. Burns
Live or Die:
A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, June 1, 2012

You're reading number Nine in this series examining the physical problems that stroke survivors must face and conquer as he or she progresses through recovery:  lost movement of body and limbs, lost skills of daily living, meeting the obligations of life.  Please note that we refer to "survivors," not "victims" and always remember that problems can really be opportunities.

Let's first discuss the problems of speaking and understanding language.  The medical tern is "aphasia."

At least one quarter of all stroke survivors experience some form of language impairment.  It may involve the the ability to speak, convey thoughts properly (the brain knows but communication with the mouth doesn't "sync." and the thoughts cannot be conveyed properly),  write or even understand the spoken or written language.  Damage to the left side of the brain (for right-handed individuals and even some left-handed) causes what is called "expressive aphasia" and the individual loses the ability to speak the words he/she is thinking and to put words together in a coherent manner  In contrast, damage to the language center in the rear of the brain results in "receptive aphasia" and people with this disorder have difficulty understanding written or spoken language and often have incoherent speech.  (they may have grammatically correct sentences but the words together are often devoid of any meaning. And the most severe form, called "global aphasia" represents damage to many areas of the brain and people with this complication lose all their abilities to understand language or convey any thoughts.

Sounds pretty awful and daunting but please take it from one who's been there (I guess I had all three):  I'm able to write this blog.  After time I taught and gave presentations and speeches.   Always remember, nothing is impossible if you have hope and the knowledge and willingness to take on one problem at a time, make it well and then move on to the next.

Eventually you'll make everything, and you, well.


Dick Burns
http://www.liveordieburns.com/

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

Richard L. Burns
Live or Die:
A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, June 1, 2012

You're reading number Nine in this series examining the physical problems that stroke survivors must face and conquer as he or she progresses through recovery:  lost movement of body and limbs, lost skills of daily living, meeting the obligations of life.  Please note that we refer to "survivors," not "victims" and always remember that problems can really be opportunities.

Let's first discuss the problems of speaking and understanding language.  The medical tern is "aphasia."

At least one quarter of all stroke survivors experience some form of language impairment.  It may involve the the ability to speak, convey thoughts properly (the brain knows but communicatiuon with the mouth doesn't "sync." and the thoughts cannot be conveyed properly),  write or even understand the spoken or written language.  Damage to the left side of the brain (for right-handed individuals and even some left-handed) causes what is called "expressive aphasia" and the individual loses the ability to speak the words he/she is thinking and to put words together in a coherent manner  In contrast, damage to the language center in the rear of the brain results in "receptive aphasia" and people with this disorder have difficulty understanding written or spoken language and often have incoherent speech.  (they may have grammatically correct sentences but the words together are often devoid of any meaning. And the most severe form, called "global aphasia" represents damage to many areas of the brain and people with this complication lose all their abilities to understand language or convey any thoughts.  

Sounds pretty awful and daunting but please take it from one who's been there (I guess I had all three):  I'm able to write this blog.  After time I taught and gave presentations and speeches.   Always remember, nothing is impossible if you have hope and the knowledge and willingness to take on one problem at a time, make it well and then move on to the next.

Eventually you'll make everything, and you, well.


Dick Burns
http://www.liveordieburns.com/  

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation

Richard Burns
Live or Die:
A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, September 14, 2012

Same excuse.  Know you've got to write blogs twice a week, at least once...but then you don't sell that little book that tells what your new life is all about - how, how long, the perils, the set-backs, the challenges that face this new you.  Eventually, a better new you.

They say that home is where the heart is.  In this case it's where the brain is.

Home rehabilitation allows for greater flexibility so that the patient may tailor their program of rehabilitation and follow individual schedules.  Stroke Survivors may participate in an intensive level of therapy several hours a week.  Or follow a less demanding schedule, according to doctor's instructions and their own abilities and time.   It is suggested that such arrangements may be best suited for one type of therapy at a time.  Note that patients who depend on Medicare coverage must meet "homebound" requirements to qualify for these types of therapy.  The major disadvantage of home-based rehabilitation services is the lack of specialized equipment.  But then there's you and your purpose and desire and the advantages of practicing skills and developing alternate and compensatory strategies in their own living environment.  In recent trials, intensive balance and strength rehabilitation in the home was equivalent to treadmill training at a rehabilitation facility in improving walking.

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

Dick Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

May 20, 2012

You're reading number Nine in this series examining the physical problems that stroke survivors must face and conquer as he or she progresses through recovery:  lost movement of body and limbs, lost skills of daily living, meeting the obligations of life.  Please note that we refer to "survivors," not "victims" and always remember that problems can really be opportunities.

Let's first discuss the problems of speaking and understanding language.  The medical tern is "aphasia."

At least one quarter of all stroke survivors experience some form of language impairment.  It may involve the the ability to speak, convey thoughts properly (the brain knows but communication with the mouth doesn't "sync." and the thoughts cannot be conveyed properly),  write or even understand the spoken or written language.  Damage to the left side of the brain (for right-handed individuals and even some left-handed) causes what is called "expressive aphasia" and the individual loses the ability to speak the words he/she is thinking and to put words together in a coherent manner  In contrast, damage to the language center in the rear of the brain results in "receptive aphasia" and people with this disorder have difficulty understanding written or spoken language and often have incoherent speech.  (they may have grammatically correct sentences but the words together are often devoid of any meaning. And the most severe form, called "global aphasia" represents damage to many areas of the brain and people with this complication lose all their abilities to understand language or convey any thoughts.  

Sounds pretty awful and daunting but please take it from one who's been there (I guess I had all three):  I'm able to write this blog.  After time I taught and gave presentations and speeches.   Always remember, nothing is impossible if you have hope and the knowledge and willingness to take on one problem at a time, make it well and then move on to the next.

Eventually you'll make everything, and you, well.

Dick Burns
http://www.liveordieburns.com/

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation - Thinking & Memory

Dick Burns
Live or Die:
A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, June 1, 2012

Stroke can cause damage to parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning and awareness.  Stroke survivors may have shortened attention spans or problems, or even loss of short term memory.   Stroke survivors may lose the ability to plan ahead, comprehend meanng, learn new tasks, and other mental activities.  Two very common problems are denial of these impairments, or any impairments, and this is complicated by the the loss of learned purposeful movement of the body.

But, as we said before, these are not problems, these are opportunities.

Tied-in are emotional disturbances.  Many people who have had a stroke feel fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness, a sense of grief for their mental and physical losses.  Don't over-do, over-react.  These feelings are a natural reaction to the mental trauma. Emotional disturbances and personality changes are natural reactions.  Clinical depression, a sense of hopelessness at the inability to function is the most common disorder.  Signs of this are sleep disturbances, a change in eating patterns leading to wieght loss or gain, lethargy, social withdrawal, irritability, fatigue, self-loathing and deprivation, even suicidal thoughts.

All these things can be treated with medication and counseling.

But the medication, the most effective counseling must be helped by you, the stroke survivor.  You will make it all effective.  Remember, you've got ot put one foot down at a time, one foot in front of the other, again and again and again and again - until it's right.  It may take awhile, but the result is worth it.

Interested in the result?  Just read the book, "Live Or Die, A Stroke of Good Luck”. Dick Burns, http://www.liveordieburns.com/

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Thinking & Memory

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

Dick Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, June 1, 2012

You're reading number Nine in this series examining the physical problems that stroke survivors must face and conquer as he or she progresses through recovery:  lost movement of body and limbs, lost skills of daily living, meeting the obligations of life.  Please note that we refer to "survivors," not "victims" and always remember that problems can really be opportunities.

Let's first discuss the problems of speaking and understanding language.  The medical tern is "aphasia."  At least one quarter of all stroke survivors experience some form of language impairment.  It may involve the the ability to speak, convey thoughts properly (the brain knows but communication with the mouth doesn't "sync." and the thoughts cannot be conveyed properly),  write or even understand the spoken or written language.  Damage to the left side of the brain (for right-handed individuals and even some left-handed) causes what is called "expressive aphasia" and the individual loses the ability to speak the words he/she is thinking and to put words together in a coherent manner  In contrast, damage to the language center in the rear of the brain results in "receptive aphasia" and people with this disorder have difficulty understanding written or spoken language and often have incoherent speech.  (they may have grammatically correct sentences but the words together are often devoid of any meaning. And the most severe form, called "global aphasia" represents damage to many areas of the brain and people with this complication lose all their abilities to understand language or convey any thoughts.

Sounds pretty awful and daunting but please take it from one who's been there (I guess I had all three):  I'm able to write this blog.  After time I taught and gave presentations and speeches.   Always remember, nothing is impossible if you have hope and the knowledge and willingness to take on one problem at a time, make it well and then move on to the next.

Eventually you'll make everything, and you, well.


Dick Burns
http://www.liveordieburns.com/    

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Language

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Thinking & Memory

Richard Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, June 1, 2012

Stroke can cause damage to parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning and awareness.  Stroke survivors may have shortened attention spans or problems, or even loss of short term memory.   Stroke survivors may lose the ability to plan ahead, comprehend meanng, learn new tasks, and other mental activities.  Two very common problems are denial of these impairments, or any impairments, and this is complicated by the the loss of learned purposeful movement of the body.

But, as we said before, these are not problems, these are opportunities.

Tied-in are emotional disturbances.  Many people who have had a stroke feel fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness, a sense of grief for their mental and physical losses.  Don't over-do, over-react.  These feelings are a natural reaction to the mental trauma. Emotional disturbances and personality changes are natural reactions.  Clinical depression, a sense of hopelessness at the inability to function is the most common disorder.  Signs of this are sleep disturbances, a change in eating patterns leading to wieght loss or gain, lethargy, social withdrawal, irritability, fatigue, self-loathing and deprivation, even suicidal thoughts.

All these things can be treated with medication and counseling.

But the medication, the most effective counseling must be helped by you, the stroke survivor.  You will make it all effective.  Remember, you've got ot put one foot down at a time, one foot in front of the other, again and again and again and again - until it's right.  It may take awhile, but the result is worth it.

Interested in the result?  Just read the book, "Live Or Die, A Stroke of Good Luck".

Dick Burns

See the original article:

Thinking & Memory

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

STROKE REHABILITATION - Emotional Disturbances

Richard Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Many stroke survivors feal fear, anxiety, frustration, anger, sadness, even grief at their physical and mental losses.  These feelings are a natural reponse to the trauma of a stroke.  Some emotional disturbances and personality changes are caused by the physical effects of brain damage.  Clinical depression, a sense of hopelessness that disrupts the ability to function, is the most common emotional disorder.  Signs of this depression may include sleep disturbances, a change in eating habits and routine that may lead to weight loss or gain, lethargy, social withdrawal, irritability, fatigue, self-loathing, even suicidal thoughts.  This post--stroke depression can be treated with  medication and phsycological counseling.

Stroke's not for sissys and that's why one should do everything they can to avoid it.  That's prevention and the subject of a future series.

Previous blogs talk about the problems you, as a stroke survivor,  must face.  It's not easy.  Neither is life.

 I'm a stroke survivor.  Been there.  Done that.  It's taken 40-plus years to accumulate the facts and knowledge to make useful and hopefully helpful comments.  If I can do it, so can you.  It just takes guts and God (or whomever, whatever, you choose) and a good caregiver.

And, that's where we're going next.

See the original article:

STROKE REHABILITATION - Emotional Disturbances

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Survivors Everywhere

Richard Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Monday, October 15, 2012

You made it.

You're a stroke survivor or you wouldn't be reading this blog.

You're unique, you're different.  You have physical and mental problems...trust me, you'll continue to get better, not just well, but better!  It works!

Sure, it's going to be hard work but it's going to be successful work.  And, remember that you'll become a better person with each step you take to heal yourself.  You ask, why me...can't answer that 'cause I don't know you - may be lifestyle, may be diet, may be heredity, may be illness.

But I do know something,  because I've been there, done that.  I'm a stroke survivor, too.

Pain, depression, speech, walking, movement, coordination, eating, just washing your hands and face or putting on make-up or shaving to keep your life up, make yourself feel better.  Each step, each job is a taxing chore that at first takes unlimited time.  It's all part of the healing process and it's worth it.  And, it works!  With today's medicine and therapy and assistance it'll probably take you 33 months, not the 33 years it took me.

There's more to come, 'cause I've a lot to say.  To help you.  The stages, the steps, the frustrations, the victory and celebration.  That's why my book, a book written to help you.

Dick Burns
www.liveordieburns.com

See the original article:

Stroke Survivors Everywhere

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Stroke Rehabilitation - Neuroplasticity

Richard Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Next up on the list of medical professioinals specializing in post-stroke rehabilitation are the Physical Therapists.  Physical Therapists specialize in treating the disabilities that stroke survivors may have  related to motor and ensory problems. They are trained in all aspects of of anatomy and physiology related to normal bodily function, normal bodily movement.  They assess strength, they assess endurance, range of motion, abnormalities in function and design programs of rehabilitation aimed at regaining those lost motor functions.

Physical Therapists help the stroke survivor to regain the use of stroke-impaired limbs, teach strategies to reduce problems of function and develop and practice exercise programs to help retrain the brain function....they call it neuroplasticity.  I call it rewiring the brain and the body to work and communicate together once again.  It takes time.  It takes hard work.  But the end result is worth it.  Because it works.

Physical therapy emphasizes practicing movements repeatedly, changing, rehearsing and planning movements, rehearsing complex movements that require coordination and balance.  Those who are weak or impaired can practice movements in hydro-therapy (water provides weight support and sensory stimulation).  And, perhaps the most telling new development is the therapist's ability to apply sensory stimulation to encourage the use of impaired  limbs on those parts of the body that have been previously neglected.

Where there's a will, there's a way.   There's help.   It's a continuing fight...and it's worth it.

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation - Neuroplasticity

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck 

Stroke Rehabilitation

Richard Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Friday, September 14, 2012

Same excuse.  Know you've got to write blogs twice a week, at least once... but then you don't sell that little book that tells what your new life is all about - how, how long, the perils, the set-backs, the challenges that face this new you.  Eventually, a better new you.

They say that home is where the heart is.  In this case it's where the brain is.

Home rehabilitation allows for greater flexibility so that the patient may tailor their program of rehabilitation and follow individual schedules.  Stroke Survivors may participate in an intensive level of therapy several hours a week.  Or follow a less demanding schedule, according to doctor's instructions and their own abilities and time.   It is suggested that such arrangements may be best suited for one type of therapy at a time.  Note that patients who depend on Medicare coverage must meet "homebound" requirements to qualify for these types of therapy.  The major disadvantage of home-based rehabilitation services is the lack of specialized equipment.  But then there's you and your purpose and desire and the advantages of practicing skills and developing alternate and compensatory strategies in their own living environment.  In recent trials, intensive balance and strength rehabilitation in the home was equivalent to treadmill training at a rehabilitation facility in improving walking.

Always remember that you're not alone anymore.  Research-qualified organizations such as National Stroke Association, American Stroke Association,National Institute of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, Easter Seals, Aphasia Hope, National Aphasia Association, National Rehabitation Inforfmation Center - the list goes on.  

Next up - how you.

Richard Burns
www.liveordieburns.com

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Happy New Year Everyone!

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

January 22, 2014

In my introductory blog, I had the opportunity to share some of my experiences as an advertising executive in Manhattan in the 1960s (a real life “Mad Man”).  I was part of a team that created the “Fruit of the Loom” guys, among many other recognizable brands, slogans and logos, until a hemorrhagic stroke tore my world apart on December 26, 1968.  That’s the day my wife was advised by doctors to publish my obituary.

Today, I’m thriving.  In fact, for the majority of the past 46 years, I’ve lived a happy, fulfilling life.  But it wasn’t easy, and it took a lot of hard work and determination.  I’ll always remember this admonition by a professor in college:  “One man’s tears are another’s lesson”.  Perhaps my tears can provide some direction to you or a loved one.  After all, I was considered dead once.

So, here’s the “dead” man’s eight steps to recovery and renovation:

Step One:  Reduce pampering and self-pity, and take positive actions.  In other words, “stand-up and be counted” and take responsibility for good or ill – block-out any insecurity and know that it’s going to be good.

Stroke Rehabilitation

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Next on the ladder of success (see Chapter 20 of my book, "Live Or Die - A Stroke of Good Luck") are the very important rehabilitation nurses.

These conscientious and devoted persons are essential to helping stroke survivors relearn the basic activities of daily living and the basic functions of life.  They educate and show routine health care, medication, skin, movement and special needs.  They are closely involved with helping stroke survivors manage personal care issues, bathing, controlling incontinence.  This latter is a common problem and survivors readily adapt or regain this ability with proper strengthening of pelvic muscles and special exercises.  These qualified nurses guide the survivor in handling catheterization and other hygienic methods of handling any continued problems in these areas.  And they work with the survivor to reduce risk factors that might lead to a second stroke and provide training for caregivers.

Medicine has come a long way and it gets even better.  Recovery takes months now, not necessarily the years it took me.    

Dick Burns
http://www.liveordieburns.com/

See the original article:

Stroke Rehabilitation

in

Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

In the 1960s, I was a “Mad Man”...

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

November 13 / 2013

As an advertising executive in Manhattan, I lived much of the lifestyle seen on the popular television series “Mad Men” (about ad execs in New York City in the 60s).  In fact, I was part of the team that created the timeless “Fruit of the Loom” underwear guys, among several other familiar accomplishments.  My life was on a fast, upward trajectory.  I was living an American Dream.  Until “it” hit me.

“It” was a jolt from out of nowhere, a disaster tearing me from the life I knew. It was a cerebral hemorrhage, a hemorrhagic stroke. The hospital medical staff threw up their hands in surrender. Make him comfortable, the body’s paralyzed, the brain’s gone and there’s nothing we can do.

They advised my wife to make arrangements.  My obituary was written.

Stroke Survivors Everywhere

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

Monday, October 15, 2012

You made it.

You're a stroke survivor or you wouldn't be reading this blog.

You're unique, you're different.  You have physical and mental problems...trust me, you'll continue to get better, not just well, but better!  It works!

Sure, it's going to be hard work but it's going to be successful work.  And, remember that you'll become a better person with each step you take to heal yourself.  You ask, why me...can't answer that 'cause I don't know you - may be lifestyle, may be diet, may be heredity, may be illness.

But I do know something,  because I've been there, done that.  I'm a stroke survivor, too.

Pain, depression, speech, walking, movement, coordination, eating, just washing your hands and face or putting on make-up or shaving to keep your life up, make yourself feel better.  Each step, each job is a taxing chore that at first takes unlimited time.  It's all part of the healing process and it's worth it.  And, it works!  With today's medicine and therapy and assistance it'll probably take you 33 months, not the 33 years it took me.

There's more to come, 'cause I've a lot to say.  To help you.  The stages, the steps, the frustrations, the victory and celebration.  That's why my book, a book written to help you.

Dick Burns
Book: www.liveordieburns.com

See the original article:

Stroke Survivors Everywhere

in ▶ Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

A New Blog Author in SSTattler - Richard (Dick) L. Burns

SSTattler: Welcome to Richard (Dick) L. Burns - I think we will call him just "Dick Burns"!

Guest Blogger - Richard (Dick) L. Burns

Richard (Dick) L. Burns
Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck

• Dick Burns is a retired television and advertising man the one who put the smile on the PSA airplanes and helped engineer a cultural icon, the Fruit of the Loom Guys.
• He is recognized nationally as an authority on retail marketing through broadcast advertising. 
• He is the author of business articles and newspaper columns. 
• A graduate of Stanford University, he suffered a massive stroke at age 38 and was not expected to live. 
• He lives in central California where he is active in many organizations and is an avid golfer.
• His book site, Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck, and it is available in Amazon. 
• See his blog site, Live or Die: A Stroke of Good Luck on the internet.