Helpful Stroke Recovery Resources

Did you know that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.? Unfortunately, this is true. In addition, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds.

This past March, we published an article providing lists of apps for stroke recovery. Since that time, we have seen an increasing number of visitors to the webpage for that article (Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html). In fact, we have seen the readership for that post average more than 300 visits per week.

As a result, we thought it would be helpful to create a list of “go-to” resources for stroke recovery and prevention to help the many readers who visit our blog searching for helpful information on these all-important topics. So, for this week’s post, we have gathered together here the BEST resources available to inform and support individuals and families affected by stroke. We have also included organizations that offer information about stroke prevention. We think you’ll find the list of links below to be helpful---but let’s hope you or those you care about will never need it!

National Stroke Association
This organization's website provides much information to support stroke patients, their caregivers and families affected by stoke. It is the “go-to” stroke resource for so many.
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageNavigator/HOME

HOPE: A Stroke Recovery Guide
This guide is divided into four sections and contains a collection of important post-stroke issues and suggestions for how to address these concerns. To order a bound copy of this guide call 1-800-STROKES.
Download the full, FREE guide or individual sections via this link:
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOPE

American Stroke Association
Created in 1997, the American Stroke Association is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 4 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. The organization funds scientific research, helps people better understand and avoid stroke, encourages government support, guides healthcare professionals and provides information to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors. To learn more, call 1-888-4-STROKE or visit the following website:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

Helpful Tips for Stroke Prevention
Studies show that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to reduce your personal risk. This means that it is absolutely vital that you manage your personal risk and know how to recognize and respond to stroke signs and symptoms. This link contains a list of helpful tips to help prevent stroke.
http://www.healingsinmotion.org/stroke-prevention/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The mission of NINDS is to reduce the burden of neurological disease - a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)
Inexpensive and customizable reading tools to help challenged readers with stroke recovery (especially for aphasia or alexia), ADHD, dyslexia, low vision and other issues that affect reading success. For stroke recovery, darker "face" colors are recommended (black, brown or blue). Colored filter choice may vary, but the 3 different colored filters (recommended by developmental optometrists) are included in every package.
www.FocusandRead.com

Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery
This article contains lists of both iPad and Android apps particularly helpful for stroke recovery patients.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: http://mothe.us/stroke-2/