July, 2011

Running For Papa

by Jason F. Boschan on July 27, 2011

Papa

As I was walking back to my brother’s apartment in NYC, just after completing the 2010 NYC marathon, he said, “I want to tell you something but I am afraid you will want to do it.”

Naturally, my curiosity was piqued and when I asked him what was on his mind he said:

“I heard there is a half on the Great Wall of China, maybe even a full marathon. ”

With that one sentence, started a vision and a journey that has completely shifted my life toward something far more important than just running. No longer was it just about conquering a race and getting to the finish line. This has become a journey to educate people who know nothing about aphasia and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) by taking the fight to their social media forums. Literally. Continue reading the full article

Unique Camp Breaks Down Communication, Social Barriers

by Mayo Clinic Health System on July 20, 2011

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Mayo Clinic Health System is sponsoring its eighth annual Aphasia Camp for people with an impaired ability to use or comprehend words, usually as a result of a stroke or brain injury. Aphasia Camp 2011 will be Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9 to 11, at YMCA Camp Manitou in New Auburn.

Individuals with communication disorders tend to isolate themselves and withdraw from social settings. Aphasia Camp is one of the few camps nationwide that offers people with aphasia and their family, spouses or caregivers a chance to increase social interaction and practice communication skills in a supportive setting.

“We didn’t set out to create something unique,” said Mary Beth Clark, a speech pathologist at Mayo Clinic Health System who was one of the camp’s original organizers. “We just saw a real need among our patients and their families for a social, yet therapeutic, outlet such as this, so a bunch of us got together and said, ‘Let’s do this.’ ”The camp runs largely on clinicians, instructors and community members volunteering their time, as well as local businesses donating goods and services. Campers can choose to participate in activities, such as fishing, boating, golfing, biking, computer technology, arts and crafts, cooking and games. Continue reading the full article

Sexual Intimacy after a Stroke

by Sara Palmer and Jeffrey B. Palmer on July 13, 2011

Couple laying in bed

Are you frustrated by the lack or romance in your relationship after a stroke? Do you long for closeness, intimacy and a satisfying sex life with your partner, but find that it’s just not happening? You are not alone—most couples want to be intimate after a stroke, but there are a number of things that can make this challenging. Physical problems, including medication side effects, incontinence, medical illnesses, and limited movement or sensation can cause a drop in sexual desire or function. But the biggest obstacles are psychological—fear of another stroke, depression, and lack of communication between partners. When your spouse has aphasia, sending and receiving messages about love, affection and sexual desire is especially difficult.

But don’t give up! Regaining sexual intimacy after a stroke is possible, and well worth the effort. Here are some tips that may help you: Continue reading the full article

Speaking Out Conference…

by Ognjen Todic on July 6, 2011

Downtown Chicago

During the last weekend of June, on June 26th, a Speaking Out conference took place in Chicago. This year’s conference was organized at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Thumbs up to  Dr. Leora Cherney and her team from RIC, as well as Ellayne Ganzfried and her team from the National Aphasia Association for organizing this great event. In addition to the conference, RIC also organized a professional development event “Updates in Aphasia Rehabilitation for the Practicing Speech-Language Pathologist” on June 23rd and 24th. Below is a brief summary of these two events. Continue reading the full article