Hello enableme member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter listen to a bonus podcast about physical activity after stroke with neurological physiotherapist Natalie Fini for National Stroke Week.

We look at community exercise programs that cater for all ages and abilites in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Desney shares a bit about her new found independence and 'wheelie walking' in her wheelchair.

Paul Fink shares what he has learned about understanding trauma and the effect the stroke 'event' had on his family and friends.

Dr Coralie English talks about her latest research exploring the direct health effects of sedentary lifestlyes on stroke patients.

All this and more – happy reading!

P.S click here for the all EnableMe newsletters.

A common thread in our podcasts is the importance of movement, exercise and being physically active.

Whether it's for reducing your risk of another stroke, building up strength in your limbs, or improving your memory, exercise is constantly recommended. But do stroke survivors get the level of activity that they need, and what can you do if there are barriers to exercise?

For Stroke Week 2017 we’ve recorded a bonus podcast thanks to the Australian Physiotherapy Association; neurological physiotherapist Natalie Fini shares her latest research into exercise after stroke.

Listen to Podcast 13 - exercise after stroke

We also speak to occupational therapist, Leah Pett from StrokeLine, about what you can do about incorporating more activity into your daily life.

• Click here for all the podcasts
• Click here for how spacticity can affect you
• Click here for information about falls prevention 
• Click here to join Stride4stroke 

 

Forums:

• Mahila: Has an excercise physiologist been of any use to stroke survivors?
• Setten highlights the importance of not having a fall!
• Shelagh: Managing fatigue with exercise physiology
• Sue: Sometimes I cry - just because I need too
   

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• Adrian: Learning how to fall safely 
• Pet therapy after stroke 
• Marcus: Touching the Void - The Fall
• Beth: The halter monitor
   

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• I want to exercise but find moving around difficult after my stroke - what can I do?
• Emily: What contraception can I use now that I have had a stroke?
• SueM: How do I help my mother with Sundowners
   

Click here for questions asked by your fellow community members. Perhaps you can contribute some of your own experiences, learn something new or ask a question?

StrokeLine has written a great blog about where to find local community exercise options.

If you're finding exercising challenging after your stroke and don't know where to start there may be some great options close by.

Most Councils have leisure centres offering a wide range of facilities and classes, sometimes with discounts for seniors and health care card holders.

Community centres are another option, with low cost walking groups, yoga and tai chi classes. For more

"Well - It’s arrived! My beautiful customised wheelchair was delivered just over a week ago, and my lovely support worker, Jess, has taken me out three times now. Beyond exciting!

We’re still learning about the chair and about how best to navigate bumpy paths, hills and inadequate footpath ramps, but nothing is going to stop us.

Yesterday, we achieved my first goal: to go to the park, just a block from my home. After three years of being almost entirely housebound, being able to go out like this is life changing." For more

Paul has shared an extraordinary blog about understanding trauma.

He talks about how for the actual stroke event he was unconscious, so has found that his family and friends have been more traumatised about the actual event than he.

Paul’s trauma comes from challenges that he has faced since, from his anxiety about his seizures and the fear of having another one.

Paul recently lost his ‘companion’ dog Finnegan and this has prompted some new realisations and soul searching.

For more

Throughout her career Dr Coralie English has explored the direct health effects of sedentary lifestyles on stroke patients.

Through a series of Stroke Foundation grants she has been able to progress her research and publish in journals such as the International Journal of Stroke, Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.

Now, she leads a team of researchers at University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute focused on research into physical activity and fitness training for people after stroke and TIA.

For more 

Remember if you need help, or have tips to help us improve EnableMe, we would love to hear from you at enableme@strokefoundation.org.au

We look forward to assisting you in your recovery and helping you to live your life well after stroke.

Many thanks,
 

Diana Kerr | Online Community Coordinator
National Stroke Foundation | Level 7, 461 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
T +61 3 9670 1000 |StrokeLine: 1800 787 653