'Stroke Belt' Applies to Kids, Too

A study that found children living in the "stroke belt" of the United States face an increased risk of stroke may challenge a current theory on why adult stroke deaths are significantly higher in those southeastern states than in the rest of the country.

The findings were presented Feb. 6 at the American Stroke Association's annual meeting in San Diego.

The increased risk in the stroke belt -- Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia -- has been linked to atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat-containing deposits inside arteries. Read more on ths study

Depp To Star As Stroke Victim

Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp is set to play a stroke victim in a big screen adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby's autobiography The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.

The story details Bauby's life before and after the stroke he suffered nine years ago, at the age of 43, which left him completely paralyzed except for his left eye.

Bauby, who had to blink out his memoir letter by letter, died two days after the book was published.

New Hard Hitting PSAs feature Sharon Stone and Others

The Ad Council and the American Stroke Association have joined forces to educate the public through haunting spots directed by James Woods. Sharon Stone, Michael Clarke Duncan, Penny Marshall, Patrick Dempsey and Don Rickles all participated in the public service announcements taking on the persona of the stroke.

With such one liners as "I'm cold. I'm calculating. I get what I want"... "I don't care if you're rich or poor, young or old, I will come after you"... and "I believe in equality. Regardless of race, gender or age" they are bound to get your attention. Look for them coming in May (Stroke Awareness Month!

Want a sneak peek at the public service announcements? Click here!

Halle Berry Wears One... And So Can You! Hip Medical Bracelets

Halle Berry proudly displayed her bracelet on the Rosie O'Donnell show saying, "These are hip and groovy!" Halle is a diabetic and should wear a potentially life-saving bracelet to disclose that fact. Until now the only option was those not-so-hip ones we all know about. Lauren's Hope now offers many styles (yes, even for men) that are personalized for your medical condition. This business grew from a young diabetic girl who disliked wearing her traditional medic alert bracelet, so one was crafted for her using stylish beads and sterling silver.

FDA PLANS TO BAN EPHEDRA PRODUCTS

On Dec. 30, 2003, FDA issued a consumer alert on the safety of dietary supplements containing ephedra. The alert advised consumers to immediately stop buying and using ephedra products.

Ephedra, also called Ma huang, is a naturally occurring substance derived from plants. Its principal active ingredient is ephedrine, which when chemically synthesized is regulated as a drug. In recent years ephedra products have been extensively promoted to aid weight loss, enhance sports performance, and increase energy.

Also on Dec. 30, FDA notified manufacturers that it intends to publish a final rule stating that dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury. The rule would have the effect of banning the sale of these products as soon as it becomes effective, 60 days after publication.

Stroke Victim Sues Maker Of Ephedra Product

Damon S. Violette, 35, says he had been taking Metabolife 356 for about a month when he had a stroke in February 2002. He now plans to sue the makers of the product and the gym who sold it to him. Read more on the case!

Man Blames Stroke on Ephedra Use

Read about another Atlanta man who wishes the FDA had taken a stand against ephedra sooner.

Son's Stroke Inspires Woman To Run

The temperatures may be in the low 20s, but that doesn't stop Donna Hamilton from working out. Hamilton is on a mission to run 26.2 miles, a full marathon.

After five months of training, she said was more than ready for Sunday's marathon in Walt Disney World in Florida, which featured more than 24,000 runners.

Hamilton is a member of the American Stroke Association's Train to End Stoke team marathon training program. She is one of 39 Central Ohio men and women who raised a total of $100,000 for critically needed stroke research and educational programs.

Read the rest of her inspiring journey!

Dog Helps Stroke Recovery Center Patients

See how a black poodle is making a difference in the lives of stroke victims in his community!

Stroke Patient Marries In Hospital

A COUPLE whose new year looked bleak have started 2004 on a happy note after tying the knot on January 1 in hospital.

Just seven weeks ago Debi Hamand was facing an uncertain future with partner Melvin Scragg who suffered a stroke at the age of only 41.

But although his recovery will take time Debi was determined to show Mel that she would support him every step of the way – literally.

Read about their nuptials here!

A Leap of Faith: After stroke, CEO doing charity work

Read how the CEO of Eddie Bauer changed his life after suffering a stroke at age 50. An inspirational journey

Chiropractic Technique May Pose Stroke Risk

Before your next trip to the chiropractor there's a warning from three of Boston's top neurologists. Read about the chiropractic manipulation that could harm your health!

Stroke Victim Emerges With British Accent

This is a story you have to read for yourself to believe!

Stroke Patients Often Oxygen-Starved at Night

Many people who have had a stroke may have normal levels of oxygen in their blood during the day, but during the night oxygen levels can become abnormally low -- a condition termed nocturnal hypoxia. See more on the sleep study.

Will There Soon Be A Coumadin Alternative?

People who take a commonly prescribed yet problematic drug called Coumadin to prevent stroke or blood clots may soon have a hassle-free alternative, according to research at Stanford University School of Medicine. Results from a 7,329-person international study have found that a new drug called ximelegatran prevents strokes as effectively as Coumadin without the side effects or inconvenience. Check out the press release here!

New Ultrafast MRI Benefits Stroke Patients

A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology reduces brain-imaging time from 20 minutes to three minutes while maintaining accuracy and decreasing patient discomfort. See the research results!

Grape Compound Could Limit Stroke Damage

Researchers say that resveratrol, a compound in red grapes and red wine, can block damaging free radicals and may help people with stroke. Learn more!

New Treatment For Dysphagia

Electrical stimulation has been used in the medical field for centuries.Now, a new type of therapy using electrical stimulation is being employed to treat Dysphagia with remarkable results.

Employers Take A Strike Against Stroke

The Research Center For Stroke & Heart Disease and the National Business Coalition on health join efforts in stroke prevention by providing an important education program for the prevention of stroke. Geared towards employers and companies, it has useful materials for all of us! Check out their website and get access to e-mail, letter and newsletter templates that can help spread the word about stroke and risk reduction.

Young Stroke Survivor Scores HOME RUN With Invention

After experiencing difficulty carrying both his ball and bat home from his grandmother's house, Jacob invented the JD Batball - a 22-inch baseball bat which stores baseballs inside of it!

A year after creating it, Jacob has scored a home run with the JD Batball, which is now sold through Toys-R-Us stores.

While most people find his accomplishment at such a young age inspiring, his mother, Elizabeth Dunnack, says that the heart of the matter literally lies in Jacob's amazing spirit and will to live.

"You see", his mother says, "Jacob was born with a rare congenital heart disease and at four days old he had the first of a series of invasive surgeries. At 11 months old, a ten-hour open-heart surgery resulted in a serious stroke. The doctors' dismal prognosis concluded that Jacob would be blind, paralyzed and permanently disabled."

Read the rest of this remarkable story!

Stroke Survivor Turns Beauty Queen

Cynthia Ann Stephans suffered a near-fatal stroke when she was 5 months pregnant. Since that time, she has overcome incredible odds and was even crowned Mrs. New Jersey!

Quick Test Can Identify Stroke

A quick test -- simply asking an ailing loved one to smile and answer a question -- can help virtually anyone diagnose a stroke. See what they're saying about this at-home diagnostic test.

Stroke Therapy Is Going To The Dogs! :)

Pet therapy is becoming increasingly popular with stroke patients. A little one-on-one time with a pooch can increases communication and laughter, lower blood pressure, promote relaxation, and decrease anxiety. Not to mention "de-institutionalize" a facility and make it more "homelike". What's not to love? Check out these stories on pet therapy.

Ferrari the therapy dog
Therapy Dogs Nationwide

"But You Don't Look Sick!"

If you've heard it once... you've heard it a hundred times, "but you look great" ... "you don't look sick at all". Little do they know the issues you are dealing with on a daily basis: regaining independence, memory loss, mood swings etc. Enter the Invisible Disabilities Advocate! Check out their site today!

Workplace Discrimination

While we're on this topic, read this essay on discrimination in the workplace done by a member of our very own Generation S community!

Botox Not Just For Wrinkles Anymore

New research reported in the New England Journal of Medicine now confirms that Botox is also an effective treatment for post-stroke spasticity. Although Botox has not received FDA approval for the treatment of spasticity, doctors have used it to address post-stroke muscle problems for some time. The drug works by entering nerve endings around the muscle where it is injected, and blocking the release of chemical messages that cause the muscle to contract.

Depression After Stroke

Recent research concluded after a stroke, mild depressive symptoms are frequent and persistent. Because depression has negative effects on functional recovery after stroke, it is important to identify and treat depressive symptoms. Post-stroke depression care may become standard for new stroke patients.