You or someone you know has had a stroke. Should you wait for instructions from the doctor about how to recover? No way, not when you’ve got all the information in Stronger After Stroke, Your Roadmap to Recovery at your fingertips.
Engagingly Written
Thoughtfully arranged and easy to access, the information this book contained will, in fact, make you better able to discuss stroke treatment options with doctors and therapists alike. You have some choices to make, and so does the stroke survivor. Stronger After Stroke makes it clear that, as with any physical endeavor, you get out of stroke rehabilitation what you put into it. Stroke therapy won’t be easy, but it will be rewarding.
Every chapter is conveniently organized: what it is, how it’s done, and what precautions to take. But in spite of the similar format, the material never becomes dry or boring. The author, who conducts workshops on stroke rehabilitation throughout the U.S., brings the material to life with regular injections of anecdotes and comparisons.
Stroke Information for Consumers and Professionals
Although physical therapists and even M.D.s could benefit by reading the information, it’s presented so that the average person can take full advantage of the advice and suggestions, which are many. Adding to the book’s value is an overall upbeat attitude about stroke therapy based on years of experience: Yes, you can get better, and you can keep getting better – but you have to do the work.
Levine explains in detail what work must be done, and exactly why. For instance, some stroke rehabilitation exercises are appropriate for those who have had certain types of strokes, but not for others. Or the same result might be accomplished in different ways, depending on the preferences and abilities of the person who had the stroke. Stroke therapy won’t be the same for any two people, either. Depending on your personal situation, you may opt for certain stroke treatments and out of others.
And while strength training and cardiovascular are both important for different reasons, Levine warns why using a personal trainer at a gym can be dangerous (they need no education or certification and can actually cause harm) and why stroke survivors face unique challenges (it takes them twice the amount of energy to do daily activities such as walking).
From Stroke to Recovery
The book covers a wide range of material, from what happened during the stroke and how it affects the course the survivor should take, to priorities for the caretaker and how best to help the patient. A wide variety of therapies are discussed, from music to mirrors to machines especially designed to assist stroke survivors. There are even suggestions for how to avoid another stroke.
Black-and-white photos illustrate basic concepts sparingly throughout. A glossary of terms is handy reference material following a resource guide located at the end of the book. Plus, in spite of this book being brand-spanking new, it’s been released in paperback. Translation: it’s affordable!
This book gets a hearty recommendation for anyone connected with a stroke survivor. You’ll feel knowledgeable and empowered with the information it contains, ready to confront the challenges that lie ahead.
Stronger After Stroke, Your Roadmap to Recovery by Peter G. Levine. 2009 Demos Medical Publishing. 215 pp. ISBN -13: 978-1-932603-74-3.
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