World Stroke Day — October 29

“Look, I am already walking again.”

My father's story

I remember the day I got the call. I was in nursing school when I was pulled out of class. My father, John, was in the hospital. I rushed to the hospital to be with my mom and my brothers, and the news was not good. He had weakness on his left side, was unable to talk, and they didn't know what the outcome would be.

My father was strong and stoic. He was our rock.
It was a long, slow, and arduous process, including lots of therapy, home exercises, and patience. But he was able to make a full recovery, and I credit a lot of it to his attitude.

He celebrated every minute of success. He would only focus on the next step, and on what he could do today that he couldn't do yesterday.
I remember one of his first therapy sessions. He was trying to take his first steps, holding on to the parallel bars, aided by the physical therapist, and he was able to take a couple of steps. He had a grin from ear to ear and said, “Look, I am already walking again.”

He didn't believe in shortcuts, and he adamantly refused to use handicap parking. Someone needs it more than him, he said. A true optimist, he would honor every step.

He eventually made a full recovery. He was able to drive again, was able to return to work, and was able to resume dancing with my mom.

What his recovery taught me

Recovery was not one big leap. It was one small step, honored, then the next one — with the physical therapist aiding him at the parallel bars, and with an attitude that celebrated every minute of success. That is how my father lived it: What can I do today that I couldn't do yesterday?

If you love someone who is recovering from a stroke, hold on to that same question. Celebrate the small wins. Keep up the therapy and the home exercises as their care team directs. And give yourself, as a family member, the same patience you give them. Recovery takes time, and it looks different for everyone.

Every minute counts: Know BE FAST

This year's World Stroke Day theme is “Every Minute Counts.” Knowing the signs helps you act fast — and getting help fast can make a real difference in recovery.

The American Stroke Association teaches BE FAST:

• B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, or dizziness.
• E — Eyes: Sudden changes in vision, including blurred or double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• F — Face drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile — is the smile uneven?
• A — Arm weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm. Ask the person to raise both arms — does one drift downward?
• S — Speech difficulty: Slurred speech, or sudden trouble speaking or understanding others. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• T — Time to call 911: Call 911 right away if you see any of these signs. Note when the symptoms started. Do not wait to see if they go away, and do not drive the person yourself.

Any one sudden sign is enough reason to call 911. You do not need to see all of them.

Ways to help lower stroke risk

Some risk cannot be changed, like age and family history. Much of it can be lowered by caring for the conditions and habits below. Talk with your own clinician about what applies to you:

• Know your blood pressure, and keep it in the range your clinician recommends.
• Manage diabetes and cholesterol, and take medicines as prescribed.
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight, in a way that fits your health.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, with foods lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
• Do not smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Check in regularly with your health care team about your personal risk.

Resources that can help

• American Stroke Association — stroke.org — warning signs, recovery information, caregiver guides, and a support-group finder.
• Stroke Family Warmline — 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653), Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central. A listening ear and helpful information for survivors, families, and caregivers.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Stroke — cdc.gov/stroke — facts, risk factors, and prevention.
• World Stroke Organization — World Stroke Day campaign: #EveryMinuteCounts and #ActFAST.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 911 right away. This page is general information, not medical advice for any one person.

#WorldStrokeDay #EveryMinuteCounts #ActFAST #StrokeAwareness #EmbracingAgingNow

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About Patty

Patty Hedrick, RN, is a Health Coach and the Founder of Embracing Aging Now, helping women 50+ rediscover who they are, reconnect with what matters, and reignite what’s possible. A registered nurse and life care planner with 30+ years of experience, she guides women through their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits who they are becoming.

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