Hello EnableMe member

It has been a very hot start to the year in Australia, dangerously hot. 

Heat stress can be an issue for people who have existing medical conditions including stroke. If you haven't got a plan to beat the heat this summer the Better Health Channel has some great advice.

Shelagh has been getting out in the garden in the cooler parts of the day to keep up her fitness. Adding incidental exercise with activities like gardening can be an effective and satisfying way to keep fit over summer. Here are some great tips for gardening after stroke.

Is travelling on your agenda for 2019? In the next EnableMe podcast we will explore the topic of travelling after stroke. If you have a question you would like discussed - ask it here.

Lastly, Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre is calling for particpants to be part of a national sleep and fatigue study. 

All this and more!

• Click here for all EnableMe newsletters.

 

Start setting your own goals today, with support if you need it, from the StrokeLine team (1800 787 653). 

Forums:

• Mahila: Mirror therapy - how long before I can expect active movement?
• CoreyP: 40 years old and I've had a stroke
• Paula: Homonymous hemanopia left side

For all forums click here

Blogs:

• Diana: Skills and Strategies for Effective Self and Peer Advocacy
• Marcus: Accepting imperfects
• Peter Hocking: “Not to Yield”, a diary of a stroke, a story of hope
   

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Lynnerpug: My dad is six weeks post stroke and was doing so well, maybe too well, he has had 4 very bad flat days where he can hardly do anything. Is this normal?
• Dee: Is it recommended to do weights post-stroke?
• Fiona Mac: Has anyone heard of the music glove, distributed by Flint Rehab?
   

Member questions answered by StrokeLine health professionals click here

Member Goals: 

• Chris: To be active to the best I can each day and achieve independence.
• Keri: Walk without aids.
• Nikki: I want to drive again.

For all goals click here

Perhaps you can contribute some of your own experiences, learn something new or ask a question.

Travel is an important goal for many stroke survivors.

In our next podcast, we talk about issues like knowing when it’s safe to fly, finding accessible destinations and transport, making sure you have assistance (if you need it) and getting travel insurance.

What would you like to know about travelling after stroke?

Heat stress can be an issue for people who have existing medical conditions including stroke.

Have you got a plan to beat the heat this summer?

 

 

What have you been up to over the holidays?

The lovely Shelagh has been busy in her garden, which is a great way to get incidental physical activity.

In caring for and looking after your garden, you will build up strength, stamina and improve your balance, movement and coordination.

 

We love reading Kat's blogs about her pregnancy. Kat shares her insights and experiences generously and with honesty.

She says "For many years I questioned my right to have children. I know it will impact my family. But doesn't every child?"

Over the holidays Kat and her husband listened to the podcast 'We've Got This' about parenting with a disability.

Kat shares her thoughts with us here.

For all Kat's blogs click here.

Sue Bowden has shared an exercise she does when the day heats up, she finds it helps with swelling in her legs.

If you have had sleep and fatigue difficulties since your stroke, you may be suitable for the Monash Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre (MERRC) study.

MERRC is seeking participants between the ages of 16 and 70 who are at least 3 months post-stroke, and who have significant difficulties with sleep and fatigue.

Recruitment is national - interstate or rural participants will be treated via video conferencing.

Remember, if you need help or have any tips to help 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 well after stroke.

Cheers,

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