BIAK Brain Walk 2012

I spent Saturday morning covering the BIAK Brain Walk for the Voice-Tribune with new friends like Sekayi, Amy and Nashe Charasika. I found them by the face painting booth so I waned to make sure they got a chance to show off their artwork

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The Graduate

It’s been a long time since I’ve updated this blog. I started out like gangbusters as a way to show how to live life after a major heath event like a stroke. But, ball of fire that I was, I petered out but not on purpose. As they say, life got in the way and

Stroke and Low Testerone

Oprah on the first nationally televised "Oprah Winfrey Show." - Image via Wikipedia

Sometimes I think I’m about to share too much on this website, but Oprah Winfrey said something on her show finale that really stuck with me. She said that for the past 25 years, she was doing what she was called to do. She also said something that I’ve always believed. Everyone has a calling.

Mental Challenge

A shot of me at the day job.

Don’t Have A Stroke has been neglected as of late. I’ve been going through life changes that can affect me and those around me for a long time to come.

While going through everything, I’ve been made aware that there are those close to me that think that my stroke may have affected me mentally. My first reaction was “B.S.”

Acting F.A.S.T.

My son London

Today is my son London’s 11th birthday and I shutter to think how I might not have been here to help him celebrate. In earlier entries, I’ve stressed the importance of taking care of yourself, which I should have done better. But how do you recognize a stroke when it’s happening? You do it F.A.S.T.

F.A.S.T. is an initialism (most people say acronym) for:

A Cup of Joe

Image via Wikipedia

With the lifestyle changes that occur after a stroke, I at times lament what I can’t have anymore. Because of the blood thinners, I can’t have vitamin K rich foods, for example. For a man who likes his spinach and broccoli, that can be seen as a problem. Overall, providence is smiling because I’m still here. Sometimes, though, it’s tough to pass the salad bar.

The Cost of a Stroke

Image via Wikipedia

I can think of tons of reasons for not having a stroke and will continue to outline those reasons here. Just the other day, the shock of the financial burden hit home. The hospital bill come to $27,559.72.

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What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?

I have a couple more questions answered for my FAQs. Researching and finding answers to what happened to me is helping me understand the severity of my life choices. Any one or all of them could have influenced my CVA and a chance in any of them could have prevented it all together. Live healthy and don’t ignore any of the following signs.

What is a Stroke

I’ve been working on the FAQs for “Don’t Have A Stroke” and the first question I wanted to answer is, “what is a stroke?” I’ve talked to neurologists and I feel pretty comfortable giving the medical terminology, but I wanted to break it all the way down to where anyone can understand it.

The First Day Back

6:00 – Been up since 5. If you know me, that’s late since the alarm usually sounds at 4am. Apparently, the clock needs to be moved out of reach again because it seems as if it’s just as easy to turn it off as it is to hit the snooze alarm. I’m not trying to overdo it, and my co-workers won’t let me, but I’m trying to figure out whatever the “new normal” is.