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Coping Mechanism of Stroke Patients

Recovery from a stroke is easier if you make simple changes that help you cope better. You can stay independent and productive by taking control of your health and daily life. All that is needed to live a normal life is a plan for a new life.

  1. Physical Strength and Conditioning

    • Patients need to keep their movements strong and lively. You also need to keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control to prevent complications or another stroke. Both practices help a patient cope with the condition of restricted blood flow and circulation, and the weakening of muscles from inactivity. Regular walking strengthens muscles and the cardiovascular system. Weight lifting or tai chi can make you stronger and raise your conditioning so you can have a more active life.

    Diet

    • Liveliness in daily activities depends upon a controlled weight and low blood pressure and cholesterol. Eat a healthful diet low in salt, fat and sugars. Vegetables, fiber-rich whole grain breads and chicken or fish are good for controlling your weight and cardiovascular system. Nutritional charts and healthy recipes can be a part of typical eating.

    Daily Living

    • Daily living can be difficult after a stroke if you do not make changes to your home. With less control, balance and vision on one side of your body, walking through the home can be obstructed by a narrow doorway or end in slips or falls. A patient needs clear access to each part of the house. If necessary, paths are wide enough for walking with a walker or cane, or moving in a wheelchair. Reorganizing the furniture so all pathways are clear is a wise choice. Danger can be avoided by removing throw rugs. Modifications also might be a good choice. Instead of leaning on furniture or fixtures, you can install grab bars for walking stairs or entering the bathtub or ramps to enter heightened areas.

    Communications

    • When a patient has had a stroke in the left side of the brain, a disruption of communications occurs due to loss of blood flow to the language center in the brain. This condition is called aphasia. A patient with aphasia has difficulty forming words to speak or write, or can not understand when others talk to them. Telling family and friends about the condition that is in the way of communicating helps you cope with the difficulties in relating. Regular speech practice can improve language ability.

    Engagement and Activity

    • Patients can be depressed or upset by living with the effects of a stroke. Life is made more vital by staying engaged with family and friends, and staying active, to keep the emotions stable. Encourage friends and family to check in with you and do social activities with you. Join a support group with stroke patients who understand your condition. For vitality and pleasant satisfaction, live a physically active life and do the things you enjoy.

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