Jonathan Burke, executive member of Jamaica Stroke Alliance (JSA), shared some sobering numbers last Saturday. He said the leading cause of death in Jamaica is stroke. He said every year 10,000 Jamaicans suffer stroke, and 3,000 die. The JSA was founded by Hilary Wehby, herself a stroke survivor and author of the inspiring book My New Normal: Reflections of a Stroke Survivor.

Blogger Kelly Katherine commented on the publication: “Her book can be considered a wake-up call to those who take health for granted…It is a hand up for those who need encouragement. It is a shiny testament standing tall for those who are scared of what comes next. Hilary is touching more lives in a more meaningful way than she ever dreamed possible, even after surviving a stroke.”

We were incredulous as we heard from Joy Tracy, who was in a bank management trainee meeting at Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (now Sagicor Bank) when she experienced a stroke, “Two blood vessels burst in my brain. I was rushed to Andrews Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead. While being rushed to KPH [Kingston Public Hospital], a nurse kept pumping my oxygen although they told her to stop, because they said I was gone.” She believes it was the action of that compassionate nurse that saved her life.

She continued, “I was then taken to UWI [University Hospital of the West Indies]. Neurosurgeon Dr Carl Bruce was able to lift the dome of my skull and clamp the bleeding vessels.” After being in a coma for a month, and at the urging of her 17-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter, she recovered and was released. Joy has dedicated herself to restoring mobility, walking daily, working out at the gym, altering her diet, and putting her faith in God.

We were enthralled by the presentation of physiotherapist Andrea Cameron who delivered guidance on stroke survival, guidance that can be practised by each and every one of us. Cameron said that stroke survivors need to find a balance, as recovery “is more than healing the brain, it involves building the life you love, managing risk, fall prevention, and exercise”.

She quoted John Maxwell: “The secret of success is found in daily routine.” She challenged stroke survivors to think seriously about preventing a recurrence, noting these statistics for survivors: “Only 51 per cent are controlling their blood pressure, 55 per cent have high cholesterol, 90 per cent of those who were overweight remain so, and many smokers did not quit.” She also urged monitoring one’s sugar level, as the National Health Fund supplies measurement devices free of charge.

“Keep moving,” urged Cameron, reminding that a sedentary lifestyle is the fourth leading cause of death. She mentioned that someone who had a desk job developed backaches. He took her suggestion of using a standing desk and the pain disappeared.

“Introduce movement across your day — we were meant to move.” Here are her wellness tips not only for survivors, but for everyone:

-Exercise

-Have two wellness checks per year — don’t wait until you are ill

-Stop smoking, and watch second-hand smoke

-Watch alcohol consumption — no more than one drink daily

-Manage your weight

-Engage socially

-Practise mindfulness — find your focus

-Practise loving yourself, go easy on yourself.

She called for diligent fall prevention practices, as a moment of distraction can have serious consequences. “Use your cane, your walker, or your wheelchair. There is no shame in that. Ensure you use a night light, check your vision, and also check the side effects of medication, as some may cause vertigo. She warns about misleading advice on social media and the importance of sound medical advice.

Cameron stressed the wonders of exercise: “This helps your brain to rewire, stimulating brain adaptation and recovery.” She said that she had also seen the positive effect of exercise with helping to stall the progression of early-stage dementia.

Exercise brings positivity, improving motor function, balance, and quality of movement. She says it enhances independence, improves cardiovascular function, and reduces other conditions. “Stroke survivors are on a lifelong journey and your primary thought everyday is ‘I will do better.’ Start where you are and use what you can every day. You should commit to 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.”

To dedicate oneself to this journey of self-improvement, Cameron says that we must put away negative views of our bodies. “Self-love is very important,” she advises. “You are not a body filled with imperfection. You are a beautiful human being.”

We saw two of the most beautiful human beings putting themselves through exercise paces, using various devices provided by Cameron: stroke survivors Rebecca Roberts, who is 40 years old, and Joy Tracy. Rebecca demonstrated how she challenges herself by stepping over bars, forwards and backwards. Joy then volunteered to do the same. They beamed as they demonstrated the moves, confident and happy. What a lesson it was for us. Perseverance pays.

First Woman heads Court of Appeal

The generous applause and fond remarks carried on the news showed the respect and affection of the colleagues of Justice Marva McDonald Bishop who was sworn in as president of the Court of Appeal last Thursday, making history as the first woman to hold this office. She was also invested with the Order of Jamaica at the ceremony. She succeeds retiring Justice Patrick Brooks, who was lauded for his excellent leadership of the court.

We wish her many blessings in this important role.

Farewell, Peacemaker Frances Madden

It was a privilege to have served with Frances Madden as a judge for the GraceKennedy (GK) Household Workers Awards. Frances was practical and perceptive, with a wry sense of humour. From those days I would hear stories of this fearless woman who could walk anywhere in Southside. Because of her engagement as leader of the Grace & Staff Community Foundation, her GK family could also walk freely in the surrounding communities.

In a tribute to Madden, the company which she had served since 1982 wrote: “Her passion along with her broad vision and infectious personality shone through from the very beginning… Her outreach transcended social, political, and economic divides, building a bridge of human care and understanding across Jamaica and communities.”

Rest in peace, phenomenal Frances Madden.

Jean Lowrie-Chin is founder of CCRP, a legacy project of her company, PROComm. Send comments to lowriechin@aim.com.