ARTICLES / General /
Foods for Stroke /
Other ArticlesBy Marie Santangelo, Staff Writer
The word “stroke” conjures up feelings of anxiety and fear even when
it has not touched our lives personally. When caregivers of stroke
patients face the reality of stroke and its aftermath, anxiety and
fear pervade care.
Often, we second guess our decisions as we care for others, but the
second guessing becomes more vivid when loved ones have acute
issues, like stroke. We worry that we did not give medication
properly, stress over small arguments that may have “caused” the
incident, and more.
Depending on the degree of impairment after a stroke, our own health
may take a turn into neglect as we pour more of ourselves into
caregiving. If we can put ourselves into a mindset that
incorporates self care into our daily routine, we will be less apt
to dismiss our needs.
Finding a balance in improving our loved one’s health and keeping
our own is a venture into more loving care experiences. Society is
making a shift toward a new attitude when it comes to taking care of
loved ones. As more people become informed about what it takes to
be a caregiver, the expectations others have of caregivers become
more realistic.
Television, radio, and publications offer information about stroke
awareness and prevention. Rather than feel overwhelmed with the
amount of data available, a caregiver can view the many sources as
resources to be drawn upon, a little at a time. Health tips,
cautions, dietary suggestions, and other advice from these resources
can be incorporated into the family structure to make everyone
healthier.
Nutrition And Stroke Patients:
After a stroke, the body begins its process of repairing itself with
the help of medical supervision and caregivers. The amount of
disruption a stroke causes varies from one body to another, but all
bodies require adequate nutrition to sustain and repair tissue.
Caregivers face new challenges after meeting with doctors and
dietary staff who suggest medication and meal changes. There may be
frustrating advice on portion control, spice usage, and fluid
regulation that can make caregivers feel as though their homes are
being turned even more upside down.
If we look at how the changes can benefit the entire family, the
changes we make will create better health for everyone involved.
Even when family members have different health conditions, an
overall evaluation of current eating habits against improved eating
habits will manifest positive changes. Caregivers are at the helm
of guiding their loved ones toward a healthy lifestyle, and the
pressure of having to create different meals only adds to stress.
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