WHY PHYSICAL THERAPY IS ESSENTIAL FOR STROKE REHABILITATION
Have a Laugh Symptoms of a stroke include sudden trouble seeing, moving, or talking. Some people experience intense headaches that seem to come Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke every year, and it is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Fortunately, most people survive their stroke, but their recovery is rarely easy. Physical therapy is an essential component of treatment that helps patients regain crucial functions they lost. A stroke is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or becomes blocked. When blood can’t reach the brain, it is deprived of essential oxygen and nutrition, and affected brain cells begin to die. The damage can permanently affect a person’s ability to speak, read, walk, or control bodily functions.
out of nowhere. Others have numbness in their face, legs, or arms — and might become confused about what is happening. Dizziness, vomiting, and nausea are also common. Swift treatment is essential, so always dial 911 whenever you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke. People who arrive by ambulance typically receive faster care, improving survival rates. The effects of a stroke are often long term. Many people have difficulty with everyday movements, frequently on only one side of the body. Others feel stiff and have a limited range of motion. Balance problems, weakness, numbness, memory loss, and slurred speech are also common. Physical therapy cannot treat all of these ailments, but it does help many stroke patients recover some of their bodily functions.
Treatment depends on each patient’s symptoms and how severely they’ve been affected. Generally, your physical therapist will focus on the simplest and most essential functions first, like your ability to get out of bed. When possible, physical therapy can also help patients relearn how to walk. Many patients will receive strength and balance training, and a physical therapist can also help you learn how to use any new assistive devices properly. Neurologists agree that stroke patients with lasting symptoms need rehabilitation to live the happiest, fullest life possible. Physical therapy can reduce the damage a stroke causes and improves your odds of regaining previous functions. Just as you shouldn’t wait to call for help during a stroke, you should never wait to seek help from a physical therapist after you’ve left the hospital.
Slow Cooker Chicken and White Bean Stew
Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
Directions 1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine beans, broth, onion, carrots, rosemary, and Parmesan rind. Top with chicken. Cover and cook on low until the beans and vegetables are tender, about 7–8 hours. 2. Remove chicken from slow cooker. On a clean cutting board, let the chicken rest until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Shred the chicken and discard bones. 3. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in kale. Cover and cook on high until kale is tender, 20–30 minutes. 4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Discard the Parmesan rind. Serve the stew drizzled with oil and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
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4 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
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6 cups chicken broth
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 cup sliced carrots
1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary 1 4-oz Parmesan cheese rind 2 1-lb bone-in chicken breasts
4 cups chopped kale 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp ground pepper
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup parsley leaves
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