EXERCISE … Body and Brain!

Summer is finally here! We have so many more options for outdoor activities, and it is imperative that we continue to exercise throughout the season. Physical inactivity is a Stroke risk factor, so being physically active can help prevent Stroke recurrence. We know how beneficial aerobic exercise is to the Stroke recovery journey, so if your regular exercise program has been suspended during the pandemic, you can replace it with regular outdoor walking sessions, until these programs resume as restrictions are loosening up. Be sure to consult Google or other online sources for Chair Exercises and low impact programs such as Yoga. There are LOTS of easy-to-follow video classes to help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.

Just as important as physical exercise, is Cognitive Stimulation exercise — exercises for your brain! TactusTherapy.com is a great place to find speech therapy apps for adults recovering from Stroke. There’s a huge selection of apps customized for the Stroke Survivor’s particular challenge. Some are available for a small fee, but most offer a FREE 30-day trial. Definitely worth checking out! https://tactustherapy.com/free-download-stroke-survivors-aphasia/ They also have just launched a FREE Guide for Caregivers, offering 50 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Loved One with Aphasia. https://tactustherapy.com/free-download-stroke-survivors-aphasia/ Of course, low-tech activities such as Word Search, puzzles, card games, Scrabble, and other memory activities, are equally valuable and effective for keeping our brains sharp and stimulated as we age.

Review the weekly schedule of March of Dimes Canada After Stroke Virtual Activities at https://afterstroke.marchofdimes.ca/news-events/after-stroke-virtual-activities