Stroke Resources
Online Resources
The amount of information available about stroke can be overwhelming. Madonna coordinates with local, regional and national organizations to help patients find the most helpful online resources.
Stroke Prevention
Know Your Blood Pressure
If it is elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control. High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke. Have your blood pressure checked at least once each year – more often if you have a history of high blood pressure.
Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (AF).
If you have AF, work with your doctor to manage it. Atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the chambers of your heart. This blood can form clots and cause a stroke. Your doctor can detect AF by carefully checking your pulse.
If you smoke, stop.
Smoking doubles the risk for stroke. If you stop smoking today, your risk for stroke will begin to decrease.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Having one drink each day may lower your risk for stroke (provided that there is no other medical reason you should avoid alcohol). Remember that alcohol is a drug – it can interact with other drugs you are taking, and alcohol is harmful if taken in large doses. If you don’t drink, don’t start.
Know your cholesterol number.
If it is high, work with your doctor to control it. Lowering your cholesterol may reduce your risk for stroke. High cholesterol can also indirectly increase stroke risk by putting you at greater risk of heart disease – an important stroke risk factor. Often times, high cholesterol can be controlled with diet and exercise; some individuals may require medication.
Control your diabetes.
If you are diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully. Having diabetes puts you at an increased risk for stroke. Your doctor can prescribe a nutrition program, lifestyle changes and medicine that can help control your diabetes.
Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine.
A brisk walk, swim or other exercise activity for as little as 30 minutes a day can improve your health in many ways, and may reduce your risk for stroke.
Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.
By cutting down on sodium and fat in your diet, you may be able to lower your blood pressure and, most importantly, lower your risk for stroke.
Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems.
If so, work with your doctor to control them. Fatty deposits can block the arteries which carry blood from your heart to your brain. Sickle cell disease, severe anemia, or other diseases can cause stroke if left untreated.
If you have any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Act fast
Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke. It’s important to know the signs of stroke because immediate treatment can save someone’s life and prevent or reduce disability.
Know the warning signs of a stroke – think “FAST“
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
Time: If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 911 or get to the nearest hospital.
National Resources
American Stroke Association
The American Stroke Association mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all we do. The need for our work is beyond question.
American Stroke Foundation
The American Stroke Foundation empowers stroke survivors and their families to overcome the challenges of life after stroke.
Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN; formerly the National Family Caregivers Association) has been working to promote resourcefulness and respect for family caregivers across the country. CAN works to improve the quality of life for tens of millions of family caregivers, who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or diseases.
Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. Individuals may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if they have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).
National Aphasia Association
The National Aphasia Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families, and to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation, therapeutic and advocacy services to individuals with aphasia and their caregivers.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration administers retirement, disability, survivor and family benefits, and enroll individuals in Medicare. They also provide Social Security Numbers, which are unique identifiers needed to work, handle financial transactions, and determine eligibility for certain government services.
Strike Out Stroke
Strike Out Stroke is a national nonprofit (501c3) dedicated to stroke awareness and education. Strike Out Stroke is a copyrighted trademark of Retreat and Refresh Stroke Camp.
Nebraska Resources
Answers4Families
When there is someone in your family with special needs, you may find yourself looking for answers. Answers4Families.org is Nebraska’s support and information connection for families and professionals seeking assistance.
Assistive Technology For All
Assistive Technology For All helps individuals find assistive equipment for all ages, available for loan, demonstration, free or for sale.
League of Human Dignity
The League of Human Dignity works with people who have disabilities to promote independent living and ensure social, economic, and political equality.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides assistance with various aspects of health care.
Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care
Medicaid and Long-Term Care oversees the Nebraska Medicaid program, home and community based services, and the State Unit on Aging. Medicaid provides health care services to low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Nebraska Stroke Association
The mission of the Nebraska Stroke Association is the prevention of stroke through education and to maximize quality of life for stroke survivors and their families.
Nebraska Vocational Rehab
Nebraska Vocational Rehab helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs.