2008 winter - Blueprint for Health magazine - St. Anthony's Hospital

Rehab Helps
Stroke Survivors
After a stroke, healthy parts of
the brain often can take over
the functions of the damaged
parts. This is called the “plasticity”
of the brain.
A rehabilitation program
can help your brain regain the
skills you may have lost. Physical
therapy improves coordination
and mobility. Occupational
therapy can make daily
activities easier to perform.
And speech and language
therapy can help with communication
problems. Combined
with time and patience, these
therapies will help you regain
control after a stroke.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS
SUFFERED A STROKE, find out
how the St. Anthony’s Outpatient
Rehabilitation Centers can help.
Call 727-825-1771.
Should a “Mini-Stroke” Be a
Major Concern?
A “mini-stroke,” or transient ischemic
attack (TIA), occurs when
a blood clot blocks an artery
carrying blo od to the brain.
This temporary blockage causes
stroke symptoms that disappear
within minutes or hours, explains
Kristin Hinkle, M.D., a family physician
with St. Anthony’s Primary Care.
Symptoms of a stroke or TIA may include:
• Problems speaking or understanding
• Numbness or weakness of the face, arms
or legs
• Difficulty seeing
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache
“A person experiencing any of these symptoms
should get emergency help — even if
the symptoms disappear,” says Dr. Hinkle.
“While TIAs do not lead to permanent brain
injury, one in three people who suffers a TIA
will have a full-fledged stroke.”
Following a TIA, treatment and
lifestyle changes can help ward off a
full-scale stroke. Dr. Hinkle suggests
these steps:
1. Manage your blood pressure.
2. Cut back on saturated fats.
3. Control your blood sugar. Diabetes
triples your risk for stroke.
4. If you smoke, break the habit.
Your doctor also may recommend anticlotting
drugs or other medicines. •
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKE
PREVENTION and treatment options at
our Vascular Health Lectures. For details,
see the calendar on Page 7.
SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED
ABOUT YOUR STROKE RISK?
See a doctor to make sure your blood
pressure and blood sugar levels are in
check. For a FREE physician referral,
call 727-825-1111.
Interested in a St. Anthony’s career? Call 727-825-1168, or visit www.stanthonys.com.
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Blueprint for Health
Blueprint for Health is published by
St. Anthony’s Health Care. The information
provided in this publication is intended to
educate the readers on subjects pertinent
to their health and is not a substitute for
a consultation with a personal physician.
© 2008 Printed in U.S.A.
“Managing Medicines” (Page 3)
Karen Hancock & Patient Safety Committee,
Contributing Writers
If you have questions or comments
about Blueprint for Health, please
call 727-820-7772.
6101M