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Stroke Recovery Tips

A stroke affects blood flow to the brain, so it is hard to predict how a stroke will affect an individual. Depending on which part of the brain has been starved of blood and oxygen, side effects such as behavioral changes, problems with vision, memory loss and paralysis can result. Strokes can happen to people of all ages and can strike at any time without warning.

  1. Support

    • Finding support is a key component as you recover from a stroke, as well as to your caregivers. Contact your local hospital or ask your doctor to refer you to a stroke support group. This will put you in the company of others who know the challenges of surviving and recovering from a stroke.

    Rehabilitation

    • The goal of stroke rehabilitation is to help a stroke survivor regain independence, so any program must be specifically designed to fit your needs. Rehabilitation may include life care skills such as eating, grooming and toileting; communication skills; mobility issues like learning to use a wheelchair or learning to walk again; problem-solving skills; exercise and strength training; and social skills, such as relearning how to interact with others.

    Nutrition and Exercise

    • After a stroke you will be encouraged to change the way you live your life. Following a healthy eating plan, which will include getting the proper amount of fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy foods, is critical to recovery.

      In addition, you will want to incorporate exercise into your new lifestyle. Start by taking a short walk several days a week. Work up to at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. If you lose motivation, find a walking group to join that will provide the support you need. Ask your doctor about other forms of exercise that you can integrate into your stroke recovery plan. You'll be most successful with activities that you enjoy and will continue doing on a regular basis.

    Follow-up Care

    • After a stroke, you need to continue seeing a doctor who can monitor your progress and help you adapt your stroke recovery plan as needed. Your physician will monitor factors such as your blood pressure, lipid profile, cholesterol levels and smoking habits. While it may be easiest to stay with the doctor you had before you had your stroke, a doctor who specializes in treating stroke patients may be more helpful at this time. The American Stroke Association can help you identify a stroke specialist.

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