Page 19 - Florida Sentinel 3-6-20

Health
Speech Therapy
Some people have trouble speaking after a stroke. For them, speech and language therapy is key to regaining as much of that ability as possible. A speech therapist can also help if someone has trouble swallowing.
PT and OT
Muscle weakness, as well as bal- ance problems, are very common after a stroke. This can affect walk- ing and other daily activities. Physi- cal therapy (PT) helps you regain strength, balance, and coordination. For fine motor skills, such as using a knife and fork, writing, and button- ing a shirt, occupational therapy (OT) can help.
Talk Therapy
A lot of stroke survivors and their loved ones feel difficult emo- tions, including anxiety and sad- ness. You don’t have to deal with that alone, especially if it starts to affect your daily life. A psychologist or mental health counselor can help you manage these emotions and watch for signs of depression, which is common after a stroke -- and can be treated.
Range of Recovery
The goal is to restore as much independence as possible. Every person is different, and so is every stroke. Many people regain some or all of their ability to take care of themselves. Those who get clot- busting drugs soon enough after their stroke may recover completely. And people whose abilities are changed by a stroke can often learn ways to adapt through therapies to help with movement, everyday tasks, and communication.
Common Issues
Whether a stroke causes long- term effects depends on how severe it was, where in the brain it struck, and how quickly the stroke got treated. After a stroke, many people have physical problems such as numbness in the arms or legs and trouble with walking, vision, swal- lowing, talking, or understanding. These issues may be permanent, but not always. Rehabilitation is key for regaining lost skills and adapting to damage that can't be undone.
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-B