We talk about finding alternatives to salt when cooking, but it can be difficult when its so easy to just add a pinch for flavour. Thanks to About.com. we have found a recipe for a great spice mix alternative.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1-1/4 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1-1/2 teaspoons white pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried lemon peel
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation:

Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl until well combines. Funnel into a dry glass container and seal tightly.

Store away from heat and light.

Use within 6 months for best flavour. Is great on meat, poultry, seafood and vegies.

Yummm.

Recipe found on About.com

Image via tribune.com.pk

Many couples feel embarrassed talking about sex - telling each other what they like and what they don’t like. It’s important to try to get past this. How can you help your partner to enjoy sex if you don’t know what gives them pleasure?

Timing

Find out from your partner when he or she would be most comfortable talking. Right after unsatisfying encounter may not be the best time for some, but right for others.

Approach

Think through what you want to say and use “I” language. Don’t accuse or criticise. For example : I’d like to spend more time kissing and cuddling before we have sex” is more helpful than, “You seems to be in a hurry without thinking about my enjoyment”.

Topics to try

Different people will want to talk about different things - how often you have some type of sexual activity, what activities you can both manage and enjoy, the use of fantasy or a need for more emotional intimacy. Try to talk together about any problems you have and share your feelings and needs with each other.

Depending on your situation, you may need to discuss changing what you have done together in the past - perhaps less focus on intercourse and orgasm and more on intimacy. Touching, tenderness and gentleness and the reassurance that you are loved and needed are equally important.

Speech problems

When a person’s speech is affected, showing affection physically will be even more important for both of you. Similarly, you may need to show, rather than tell, each other what you find pleasurable.

Discussion don’ts

Try not to talk when you are angry, have had too much to drink or have too little time or privacy - it only makes matters worse.

Strategies to improve intimacy and sex life

There are no magic answers to improving your intimacy levels and sex life, but certain strategies may help. It’s important that couples do not lose their sense of physical intimacy as it can be such a wonderful way of comforting each other and expressing feelings.

Role awareness

Be aware of the role each of you plays in your relationship and how your partner’s condition may change this. Be flexible and ready to shift roles. For example, which of you usually initiates sex? Would it help to change this?

Respect boundaries

We must all balance the need for closeness with the need for independence and privacy. A disability can disrupt this by throwing you together more than usual. Make sure you get time alone.

Broadening horizons

There are many ways of achieving intimacy, warmth and sexual satisfaction without intercourse or orgasm. Touching, kissing, stroking and cuddling provide the physical contact we all need and can be immensely reassuring and satisfying.

Mutual masturbation

This simply means stimulating each other to orgasm. Some couples have never done anything like this before and find the idea difficult to accept. But people of all ages find sexual satisfaction together through this method. It is never too late to learn.

Express sensuality

Looking good helps. Wear clothes that you both find attractive. Consider sensual triggers such as perfume, aromatherapy or massage oils. Try setting the scene with music and candles. Talk about and enjoy the sexual experiences you can have. Try not to concentrate on what you can no longer do.

Sex isn’t everything

Make sure you have enough time simply to enjoy each other’s company.

Counselling

If talking together about sexual issues is too difficult or it is not solving the situation, consider seeking outside help, either together or separately. For some people, talking about their sexual relationship with a stranger can be difficult. Often however, a few sessions with a capable therapist can help you to see problems in new ways and to find workable solutions. Seeking the advice of a counsellor or therapist does not mean you are “sick” or that you need prolonged treatment. If you feel uncertain about professional help, remember that you are doing the hiring and firing  - you can stop the therapy any time you wish.

Caring for family members

If the person you care for is a family member or friend, be aware that they may have sexual needs that are not being met. This can apply particularly to older people, such as parents. It can be difficult for this person to express their sexual needs to a family member. Find someone they trust who can broach this subject with them.

Contacts

To find a suitable therapist or counsellor, ask your own doctor or contact your condition - specific organisation.

Call Strokeline : 1800  787 653 (STROKE).

This article has been edited and reproduced with the permission of Brainlink.org.au. It is an extract from their excellent brain injury resource available for free download here. This publication is split into sections covering medical issues, common changes after brain injury, practical assisstance and emotional issues. Brainlink is a Victorian service dedicated to improving the quality of life of people affected by conditions of the brain and improving support to their families.

Stroke 10 years ago:

Only 34 Stroke Units in Australian Hospitals. 23% of stroke patients recieving stroke unit care.

60% of Australians could identify one sign of stroke.

Only 47% of stroke patients arrived at hospital within 3 hours.

Only 2% of eligable stroke patients given a clot-bustin drug (thrombolysis) which was being tested in research programs.

No specialised programs to coordinate care for people with stroke in the community.

No dedicated research funding program for stroke in Australia.

4 million Australians over 25 with high blood pressure, only half recieving treatment.

Stroke - Today:

73 stroke units in Australia. 50% of stroke patients recieve stroke unit care.

86% of people can name at least one sign of stroke.

65% of patients arrive at hospital within 3 hours - increased calls to 000 after community awareness campaigns.

10% of eligable patients now given clot-busting drug (thrombolysis).

23 hospitals able to connect survivors with people and services that help them recover.

Training programs for councellors, toolkits to help set up stroke support groups, programs to help meore stroke survivors perticipate in exercise programs and to enable survivors and carers communicate online.

Research programs funded to explore stroke rehabilitation and imporved community support.

Greater understanding of stroke leading to improved treatments and prevention.

60,000 people had blood pressure tests at 740 health check stations in Qld, NSW and Vic in 2010.

A free diabetes risk check available in selected pharmacies in Queensland will help tackle the fastest-growing chronic disease in Australia – type 2 diabetes, according to National Stroke Foundation CEO Erin Lalor.

As Queensland Health Minister Geoff Wilson today announced an extension of the highly successful Know your numbers campaign to include type 2 diabetes risk assessments in 119 pharmacies, Dr Lalor said the program aimed to offer these checks to 10,000 Queenslanders in 2011.

“The Know your numbers program began in Queensland in 2008 and has so far provided over 60,000 blood pressure checks for Queenslanders,” Dr Lalor said.

“The newly expanded Know your numbers campaign will build on this success – through this pilot program many thousands of type 2 diabetes risk assessments will be offered in selected participating pharmacies across Queensland.”

High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are both significant risk factors for stroke, the nation’s second biggest cause of death and a leading cause of disability.

Dr Erin Lalor said she was pleased to be working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Diabetes Australia – Queensland to include the diabetes checks in the successful Know your numbers campaign.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland Branch) Director Robyn Ede said community pharmacies were an ideal setting to reach health consumers and identify those at risk of diabetes.
“Around 80,000 Queenslanders visit a pharmacy each day and turn to their local pharmacist for information on treatment of minor illnesses,” Ms Ede said.

Diabetes Queensland – Australia CEO Michelle Trute said it was estimated those who develop diabetes will have the condition for four to seven years before being diagnosed.

“This can allow irreversible damage to occur and can set people up for serious complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputations,” Ms Trute said.

The Queensland Government last year announced $600,000 to support the expansion of the Know your numbers blood pressure awareness program to include checks for type 2 diabetes.

Dr Lalor encouraged all residents to visit their local pharmacy for the diabetes and stroke risk assessment.

“Those people who are assessed as high-risk will be referred to their general practitioner for assessment and diagnosis,” she said.

The number of people with type 2 diabetes has more than doubled in 15 years with 300,000 Queenslanders now living with the condition and 19,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

For more information and checking station locations visit: www.strokefoundation.com.au

Know your numbers Diabetes Enhancement Pilot Program is supported by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland branch), Diabetes Australia - Queensland and by Queensland Health as part of the State Government’s Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland commitment to make Queenslanders Australia’s healthiest people by 2020.

Image via signsabound.com

Communication, difficult issues & adapting lives

When a condition is first diagnosed, there are so many things to work through that sex is often low on the list of concerns. Eventually, the urge to return to intimacy and a sexual life is likely to be important for most people - of all ages.

Then the questions begin. Is it possible? Is it safe? Am I being selfish even considering it? Will he or she still find me attractive? Can I be a good lover? Will my erection last? Can I have an orgasm? What if I lose bladder control during sex? How can I have sex when I’m always tired? Will my partner continue to love me? How do I get interested in sex when I am dealing with everything else?

Keeping channels of communication open and discovering appropriate avenues for sexual expression can have significant benefits to your overall feelings of happiness and wellbeing. If you are having problems, do ask your doctor or condition-specific support organisation for advice or more information.

Stroke

A common worry for people after stroke is whether  sexual activity will cause another stroke. The concern here is blood pressure. We all experience a sudden rise in blood pressure as excitement increases, but if it is already high this can cause problems.

Check with your doctor. It also helps to make having sex more effortless, and your partner may need to take a more active part. A partner with high blood pressure is also likely to be on tablets to control it. These may affect the ability to have intercourse. If this is a problem, talk to your doctor. There are tablets that do not have this side effect.

How chronic conditions affect sexual activity

Difficulties often arise as chronic neurological conditions progress, such as:

• physical changes
• cognitive changes
• fatigue
• incontinence
• emotional responses
• personality changes
• self-esteem and self-image
• physical changes

For example, symptoms such as paralysis, weakness, spasticity, poor balance, muscle wasting or pain may require couples to adjust their positioning or types of sexual activity.

Cognitive changes

Brain damage can affect cognitive (thinking) abilities that have an impact on a person’s sex life. For example, emotional instability (often part of ABI) and poor communication due to speech dificulites can be distruptive.

Fatigue

Fatigue can have a significant impact but if you know it is most likely to occur, you can plan time together around it. Medications can also increase or decrease tiredness or change muscle function, which you may need to take into account as well.

Incontinence

The fear of bladder or bowel accidents makes some people uneasy but there are ways to minimise the likelihood: go to the toilet immediately before love-making, adopt postitions that minimise the chance of reflex emptying of the bladder and having towels and a sense of humour on hand, just in case.

Emotional responses

Depression, anxiety and stress occur either as a result of changes in the brain or in reaction to brain injury and can also reduce sexual desire. If depression is an issue, treatment can make a huge difference. Talk to your doctor. Strategies for reducing stress can also help.

Personality change

When brain injury affects aspects of someone’s personality, it can feel like you are living with a stranger. Occasionally, demanding or inappropriate sexual advances are an issue. A neuropyschologist can help with strategies that minimise difficult new behaviours.

Selt-esteem and self-image

Sexual response is also tied up with our self-image and self-esteem. Both depend on our ability to accept ourselves and to not be influenced negatively by the perceptions of others, but both are challenges when someone becomes chronically ill. Self-image can take a battering when a person’s physical appearance changes. Selt-esteem can falter if the person is less physically able to engage in sexual activites. If these are serious issues for you, consider seeing a sex counsellor or joining a support group. Your doctor or condition-specific group can help with referrals.

The well partner

Well partners often experience guilt, frustration, resentment, anger, exhaustion, depression or a combination of these states. It’s hard to switch from the role of carer to the role of lover.

Some carer-partners play down their own concerns for fear of seeming selfish or complaining to a loved one whose ego may already be fragile. All elements can generate anxiety and dampen interest and pleasure in sex. It is important for carers to identify their needs, so don’t be afraid or feel selfish when asking for help. If you’re not well, you can’t care for your partner either.

This article has been edited and reproduced with the permission of Brainlink.org.au. It is an extract from their excellent brain injury resource available for free download here. This publication is split into sections covering medical issues, common changes after brain injury, practical assisstance and emotional issues. Brainlink is a Victorian service dedicated to improving the quality of life of people affected by conditions of the brain and improving support to their families.

Note: this retreat is not Stroke journey specific.

Retreat for Carers of people living with a Mental Health issue or an Acquired Brain Injury/Neurological Disorder.

Pt. Lonsdale Guest House
Date: 27th June—29th June
Places are limited so if you have a carer who would like to go on this retreat please contact Karen on 98452956 or email
clientservices@brainlink.org.au

BrainLink is pleased to announce that we are able to offer a three day/two night Carer retreat for rest, fun and education.

All accommodation, transfers, meals and activities will be included along with guest speakers to talk about dealing with mental health and behavioural issues. They will discuss crisis intervention strategies and navigating the mental health system for carers & families.

THERE IS NO COST TO THE CARER

BrainLink can arrange for full respite to be provided if required.

Image via @nutritiondarling

Welcome to May!
This month’s seasonal fruits are apples, bananas, grapefruit, grapes, kiwifruit,
watermelon, figs, lemons,and persimmons
And vegetables: beanshoots, broccoli, carrot, cauliflower, mushroom, potato,
pumpkin, spring onion and turnip.
Be sure to look out for these foods when next at your green grocers to ensure you getting all the right vitamins and minerals suited to this time of year.
Here is a delicious soup that is easy to make and combines some of these wonderful vegetables. Enjoy!

Love NutritionDarling.

This delicious warming soup contains several of the season’s vegetables and full of the traditional flavors of the Mediterranean. Topped with fresh basil bringing some fresh zing to the soup but alternatively, pesto adds a nutty richness.
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings, about 2 1/4 cups each
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Recipe Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, diced
1-3 teaspoons hot paprika, or to taste
1 ltre vegetable stock
4 medium plum tomatoes, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2 small squash, diced
2 medium potatoes, diced (with skin if organic)
1 1/2 cups green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup broccoli flowerets
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or prepared pesto
Recipe Steps:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and paprika and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add stock, tomatoes, carrot, squash, potatoes, beans and broccoli; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just tender, about 12 minutes. Stir in vinegar; continue cooking until heated through, 2 to 4 minutes more. Ladle soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or a dollop of pesto.

It’s nutrition darling!

Image via tasteofhome.com

A stroke can affect parts of the brain that control your arms and legs resulting in paralysis or weakness. It is important to understand that stroke affects the brain and that the problem is not primarily in the muscles.

Although most improvement usually occurs in the first six months after a stroke, recovery may continue for several years.

Physiotherapy assessment

If you are having problems moving and balancing, it can be frustrating and sometimes devastating. Therefore it is important you receive a full mobility assessment.

Physiotherapists are specially trained to identify movement problems that may be caused by a stroke. They can provide therapy to help improve activities such as walking, keeping your balance and using your arm.

Recovery

Recovery after stroke can be slow and it is difficult to predict the level of recovery that will occur. Generally most recovery occurs during the fi rst six months but can continue for years after a stroke, especially if you keep active and use your affected arm or leg the best you can. The more you practice the more likely you are to stimulate your recovery.

Changes after stroke

Difficulties moving after a stroke can be caused by:

Weakness (paralysis) in leg and/or arm muscles.

Loss of sensation or feeling. Sometimes there can be a loss of feeling in the skin or the joints themselves.

Poor coordination or balance often as a result of weakness or loss of feeling.

Muscle or joint stiffness. Muscles and joints easily become stiff if not used normally. Spasticity (increase in muscle tone) may also limit movement.

Shoulder pain or subluxation (bones moving out of normal position) caused by weak shoulder muscles allowing the shoulder bone to move out of joint.

Lack of energy (fatigue) If you have difficulty moving you will need to put more effortand energy into moving, which may lead to increased fatigue.

Therapy

Movement problems affect each person differently. Your therapist will work with you to decide the best program to meet your personal needs and goals.

Different therapies may include:

Practising tasks/activities that you have difficulty doing. This may include rolling over in bed, sitting or standing up, walking and using your hand or arm.

Exercising to improve your strength, sensation (ability to sense or feel things), coordination, balance or fitness. Often this can be done as you practice normal activities such as standing or walking.

Exercises that use electrical stimulation and other equipment (eg. treadmills) may also be used as part of your therapy to help improve your ability to move.

Joining a fitness centre, club in the community, or exercise program at your local community health care centre to keep yourself fit.

Often after a stroke, fitness levels drop, so it is important to keep yourself as active as possible in the long-term. Talk to your therapist about whether this is right for you.

Stretching or supporting your muscles to reduce their stiffness or pain. Often when muscles are not being used normally they get stiff and can also become painful. It is important to keep the muscles flexible.

Teaching you how to safely walk which may include the help of certain aids like a frame or stick. Never use a frame or walking stick without getting advice first. Some people should avoid using these supports early after a stroke as it changes the way muscles learn to move again and limits recovery. Your therapist will help you work out if you need them.

Limiting the use of your good arm to encourage use of the affected arm. Research has found that by forcing you to use your affected arm, you can improve the extent of recovery. It is important to seek the advice of your therapist first.

What can you do?

Research has found that the more you do the better you get. You should try and do as much as you can during therapy time. Your physiotherapist should advise what is best for you to do by yourself or with the help of family or friends. You may also need to check with your doctor in case you have other medical conditions (eg. heart condition), which may limit the amount of activity you do.

Ongoing exercise will help maintain the movement you regain after a stroke and keep you as healthy as possible. You may consider joining a local gym or finding an exercise group (eg. walking group).

Remember exercising helps with your movement as well as reducing your risk of further strokes. Exercise is also known to help people feel more positive and have more energy.

More information

If you or your family have any questions you should ask your Physiotherapist.

Note: This fact sheet is number 8 in a series. For a complete list of fact sheets, click here.

Image via pineapplepark.com.au

The StrokeConnect Online Forum is a way for people affected by stroke to connect with others, share advice and to learn more about stroke.

Recently forum members were asked, “If you met a new stroke survivor, what advice would you give them for their future journey?”

These were some of their responses:

• It’s ok to just feel what you feel
• Take improvement from the day after your stroke not the day before
• Don’t just believe what one person tells you. Get many opinions
• People around you don’t “get it”
• Focus on what you can or have achieved not on what is lost
• Extend the physical things you can do by very tiny amounts each day
• Record your achievements and improvements in writing as they happen
• The more questions you ask your doctors and rehabilitation therapists, the better you will be able to focus on your recovery
• Each day look for something positive, bright, or fun (preferably one of each)
• My quality of life is not governed by my physical limitations.

You can join in the discussion by visiting StrokeConnect online forum.