Stroke Recovery
Taking Back Our Lives
By James Becket

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age and at any time. And although it is the fourth leading killer in the United States; more often than not stroke victims survive. The problem is that they suffer a wide range of debilitating effects in the aftermath. The trauma of experiencing a stroke can have as a profound impact on your body, as on your emotional health, and rehabilitation is often difficult and confusing.

Stroke Recovery: Taking Back Our Lives features the experiences and advice of stroke survivors, caregivers, family, friends, doctors, and other allied health professionals. Among the survivors who share candid details of their recovery are Wes Metoyer whose doctors called a “ticking time bomb,” yet he refused to adapt a healthier lifestyle. Lisa Bibbey’s daughter had a stroke when she was only an infant. Now a toddler, she struggles with cognitive disabilities. Diana Capman Dolan suffered a stroke in 1975 and today is an advocate for patients like herself who lacked any understanding of what recovery meant.

Practical and inspiring, the message throughout the film is one of hope, with many of the film's subjects reiterating that improvement and recovery are ongoing processes.

Stroke Recovery: Taking Back Our Lives is broken down into 19 sections covering topics like the challenge of rehab; the importance of a positive attitude in aiding recovery and beating depression; various types of family and professional support networks; the relevance of spirituality, and regaining an intimate relationship with your sexual partner. It is a comprehensive resource intended to aid stroke survivors and their caregivers.

From learning how to stand and walk, to adaptive technologies, the video illuminates what stroke survivors can do for the best possible recovery. With the help of leading physicians and specialists working in the field of stroke, as well as long time survivors, the filmmakers look at every life area impacted by stroke and identify the very best approaches to restoring — or at least reinventing — your health and your life.

61 minutes
© 2010
Purchase $248.00 DVD
Order No. QA-559

Reviews
“With valuable advice from stroke victims and their therapeutic specialists, life coaches, fitness trainers, nurses, and neurological specialists, the film brings a message of reassurance and hope to others in similar situations.” Booklist

"3 Stars. In this documentary aimed at those recovering from the ravaging physical and emotional effects of a stroke, the overriding message is one of hope, reminding viewers that recovery is possible...The tone is optimistic yet realistic...An informative guide for those dealing with the aftermath of a stroke, this is recommended." Video Librarian

Awards & Conference Screenings
Official Selection, 2012 Western Psychological Association Film Festival

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