Experiencing a stroke is just an ‘old people’s issue’!? If you agree, then you should definitely reconsider your point of view. “According to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis published in the September/October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 45% of the 7,740 study patients who had been hospitalized at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with a diagnosis of stroke were less than 65 years old and nearly 27% were less than 55. Compare this to the statistic provided by the National Institutes of Health: two-thirds (66%) of all strokes occur in people over age 65”, obviously implying the other third of people suffering from Stroke are under 65 years old!
“The needs of a younger person with stroke go far beyond those of the older population,” said study co- author Timothy J. Wolf, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L, instructor of occupational therapy and neurology and investigator for the Cognitive Rehabilitation Research Group (CRRG) at Washington University. “This includes family issues, work, driving, marriage responsibilities and community participation. US rehabilitation programs are not organized to serve these needs. In fact, this study demonstrated that many of these people get minimal or no services after stroke. Study patients who had a mild to moderate stroke — approximately 82% — were usually discharged directly home (71%), discharged with home services only, or discharged with outpatient services only.”
However, these services do not provide all the necessary support which is urgently needed to integrate people back into their usual life after stroke. “Specifically, 46% reported working slower, 42% reported not being able to do the job as well, 31% reported not being able to keep organized and 52% reported not being able to concentrate.”
As a matter of fact, one has to consider other solutions enabling stroke patients to finally get back to their old lives. Stephanie Yamkovenko, AOTA’s (American Occupational Therapy Association) staff writer, suggests occupational therapy as one possibility. Occupational therapy practitioners work with stroke patients in depth; considering their needs, desires, activities, environment and new limitations. Furthermore, occupational therapy practitioners can help make the process of rehabilitation more productive and effective for the individual’s needs. They address the physical, cognitive, and mental challenges brought on by a stroke, and can help stroke survivors regain their ability to engage in daily activities through a variety of evidence-based methods.
“Research shows that occupational therapy should be a part of the rehabilitation process because it effectively improves a client’s occupational performance, allowing him or her to live life to its fullest”, says Stephanie Yamkovenko.
Interested in the full article?
News-Line for occupational therapists & COTAs
American Association of Occupational Therapy
To learn more about stroke and to get a closer look inside and outside the human body, check out our Anatomical Charts and our Torso Models!
American 3B Scientific Stroke Charts
This poster contains images and useful information about the causes, affects, and possible treatments for strokes. In this chart the anatomy of the brain is detailed along with information on vascular occlusions and hemorrhages. The colorful images help to clearly explain a stroke.
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MRI Torso, 15 Transverse Sections
This unique MRI torso is horizontally sectioned into 15 slices, giving a distinctive view of human anatomy. The topographical relationships of the torso are represented as colored reliefs on the individual sectional planes.
For a closer study of the internal anatomy of the torso, each disc can be shifted horizontally and rotated around its sagittal axis. Each disc within the MRI torso can be individually removed. The results are a brand new understanding of human anatomy that is both interesting and engaging for students. This MRI torso is a great addition to any medical or biology classroom!
American 3B Scientific Item: VA20
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Stroke Strikes Fast: How to Respond
The National Stroke Association wants you to know the symptoms of a stroke so you can act fast and possibly save your own or a loved one’s life. The F.A.S.T. method for recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms: F = FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A = ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S = SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange? T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital (National Stroke Association, 2009). |
However, these services do not provide all the necessary support which is urgently needed to integrate people back into their usual life after stroke. “Specifically, 46% reported working slower, 42% reported not being able to do the job as well, 31% reported not being able to keep organized and 52% reported not being able to concentrate.”
As a matter of fact, one has to consider other solutions enabling stroke patients to finally get back to their old lives. Stephanie Yamkovenko, AOTA’s (American Occupational Therapy Association) staff writer, suggests occupational therapy as one possibility. Occupational therapy practitioners work with stroke patients in depth; considering their needs, desires, activities, environment and new limitations. Furthermore, occupational therapy practitioners can help make the process of rehabilitation more productive and effective for the individual’s needs. They address the physical, cognitive, and mental challenges brought on by a stroke, and can help stroke survivors regain their ability to engage in daily activities through a variety of evidence-based methods.
“Research shows that occupational therapy should be a part of the rehabilitation process because it effectively improves a client’s occupational performance, allowing him or her to live life to its fullest”, says Stephanie Yamkovenko.
Interested in the full article?
News-Line for occupational therapists & COTAs
American Association of Occupational Therapy
To learn more about stroke and to get a closer look inside and outside the human body, check out our Anatomical Charts and our Torso Models!
American 3B Scientific Stroke ChartsThis poster contains images and useful information about the causes, affects, and possible treatments for strokes. In this chart the anatomy of the brain is detailed along with information on vascular occlusions and hemorrhages. The colorful images help to clearly explain a stroke.
| VR1627 Stroke Chart with metal rods |
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| VR1627L Laminated Stroke Chart |
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| VR1627UU Unlaminated Stroke Chart |
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Please contact a sales representative for other available languages.
MRI Torso, 15 Transverse SectionsThis unique MRI torso is horizontally sectioned into 15 slices, giving a distinctive view of human anatomy. The topographical relationships of the torso are represented as colored reliefs on the individual sectional planes.
For a closer study of the internal anatomy of the torso, each disc can be shifted horizontally and rotated around its sagittal axis. Each disc within the MRI torso can be individually removed. The results are a brand new understanding of human anatomy that is both interesting and engaging for students. This MRI torso is a great addition to any medical or biology classroom!
American 3B Scientific Item: VA20
BUY NOW
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