Millions of people suffer from strokes, or related illness. The results can be a minor speech impediment to paralysis. Choking is a risk for stroke patients, so always avoid choking hazards like carrot sticks, veggie hot dogs, chia seeds or nuts. Most patients who have had a stroke need rehabilitation work for some time. Also see the post on how to care for our carers.
The main ways to prevent a stroke are to eat a healthy plant-based diet, avoid smoking or excessive alcohol, and limit your intake of salt (other than found in natural foods). Use less than 1 teaspoon a day (less for children and far less for babies) in cooking, and don’t add salt to the table. Most salt in foods is hidden (in cheese, nuts, crisps, ready meals, salty snacks and canned meats).
- NeuroBall offers hundreds of physio games to improve wrist and shoulder movement for stroke survivors.
- LaserFinger attaches to your glasses or hat, to turn appliances on and off (with slight head movement).
- Kickstart is a wearable walking device to help restore and relearn natural reflexive walking. It keeps hip and leg stable, while using power to gently lift and move the leg through a safe, guided and proper step. Lightweight and easy to use, it’s also used for patients with MS.
