Life after Stroke: Health Management Tips for Stroke Survivors

Amy Taylor September 26, 2013

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the UK, affecting more than 150,000 people every year. The damage caused by stroke can be widespread and long-lasting. Some people who survive may need long and comprehensive rehabilitation whilst others could never recover.

According to the NHS, a third of people will make an almost full recovery physically and should be encouraged to lead a normal life. A third will have a significant amount of disability, which varies from the severely disabled, e.g. people who need help getting in and out of bed, to milder things, such as needing help with bathing. Furthermore, a third of people will be severely affected by stroke and will die within the year. The majority of these people will die in hospital in the first few weeks.

Surviving Stroke

The rehabilitation process may be different for each stroke survivor. If you or someone you know has suffered from stroke, here are four essential management tips to remember:

Proper Nutrition

Healthy food habits can significantly reduce your risk of suffering from stroke again. The three major dietary factors to watch out are poor cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and excess weight. To avoid these, you want to observe a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and trans-fats, and high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Getting more than the recommended daily calorie intake can contribute to obesity, which in turn raises the risk of stroke and heart disease. You also want to avoid simple carbohydrates like white flour (used in most breads, cakes and pastry products). Instead, choose whole-grain, high-fibre foods. Salt and sugar intakes should also be reduced. Meats are okay, as long as you choose the leanest parts and you prepare them without using saturated fats. Marinating meat for several hours before cooking has been shown to reduce the disease-causing compounds that are normally produced when meat is heated.

The British Heart Foundation recommends a diet that contains the following for a healthy, happy heart:

· Plenty of fruit and vegetables.

· Plenty of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta. Choose wholegrain varieties wherever possible.

· Some milk and dairy products.

· Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein.

· Only a small amount of foods and drinks high in fats and/or sugar.

Some stroke survivors may experience a loss of appetite. For others, eating may be difficult due to swallowing issues or hand movement problems. When stroke survivors have reduced appetite, caregivers may set a leisurely pace for the meal, reduce distractions during mealtime, and serve something that the patient wants.

Physical Activity

The benefits of regular exercise for stroke survivors are remarkable. Physical activity promotes heart function and lipid profile by lowering bad cholesterol, increasing good cholesterol, boosting blood flow, and reducing blood pressure. Vast studies have shown that exercise training after strokes improves physical fitness and function, including walking ability. Aerobic exercises are good for the heart, but stroke survivors should first consult their doctor before attempting any form of exercise. Other forms of physical activity that are good for stroke survivors are muscle training, flexibility and strength training, and neuromuscular training.

In addition to improving the person’s overall health, physical activity can enhance self-confidence and reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety disorder that are experienced by many stroke survivors.

Stress Management

Apart from nutrition and exercise, stroke survivors should also learn how to manage their stress levels. A study by the University of Michigan found that men who were more physiologically reactive to stress were 72% more likely to suffer a stroke. Another study by Japanese researchers revealed that men and women with stressful and demanding jobs were at greater risk of stroke, even after controlling for other factors like age, occupation, fitness level, educational attainment, alcohol consumption and educational background.

There are a number of effective strategies to deal with stress. They include meditation, relaxation training and deep breathing exercise.

Social Support

In a 2010 study by the Stroke Association, it was found that stroke survivors with impairments and their unpaid carers are likely to experience a range of social challenges, including low income and social isolation. Between 20-50% of them will also experience depression. A good support group provides a place where stroke survivors can learn how to cope with emotional challenges. Having a supportive social circle has also been linked with better post-stroke outcomes not only for stroke survivors, but also their caregivers.

The chances may be low for some, but it is not impossible to live a normal life after stroke.