Stroke survivors, health professionals and researchers come together to provide you with practical advice to enable you on your journey to reclaim your life after stroke. Join the conversation at enableme.org.au. This series is presented by Australia’s Stroke Foundation and sponsored by Allergan.

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The number one topic stroke survivors ask us about is neuroplasticity, and how to take advantage of the brain’s amazing potential to change itself. But there’s still a lot of confusion about what it actually entails, what to expect, or even who can help you with it. We speak to physiotherapy lecturer Michelle McDonnell, neuroscientist Lavinia Codd, stroke survivor Karen Bayly and occupational therapist Simone Russell about their experience of retraining the brain.

Stroke Foundation #1 - Neuroplasticity

For anyone who’s had a stroke, one of the biggest fears is whether it will happen again. We speak to general practitioner and author Dr Bill Williams, stroke survivor Nikki Mennel and occupational therapist Simone Russell about how not to let that anxiety hold you back. And with Australia’s Biggest Blood Pressure Check underway, we discuss what you can do to reduce your risk.

Stroke Foundation #2 - Fear of a second stroke

People often associate stroke with muscle weakness. After all, that’s one of the F.A.S.T. signs. But after a stroke you can sometimes find your muscles are too tight, leading to stiffness in your legs, arms and fingers. This is what is known as spasticity, and it can cause spasms, it can affect your limb positions and it can be painful.

Stroke Foundation #3 - Spasticity

Fatigue is one of the biggest disabilities that stroke survivors face. It’s more than just regular tiredness that can be relieved by a good night’s sleep. Fatigue can hold back your recovery and keep you from getting your life back to normal. It’s also an invisible disability, meaning it can be hard to get support. But there are things that can be done: we look at the latest research evidence and advice about dealing with post-stroke fatigue.

Stroke Foundation #4 - Fatigue

Communication is a very important part of life. This means that losing the ability to speak can have very big impact. About one-third of stroke survivors have speech and language problems, such as aphasia.

In this podcast, we talk about what it's like living with a communication disorder and what can be done to help.

Stroke Foundation #5 - Aphasia

The internet is full of health information, and there are so many people offering treatments for stroke, that it can be hard to know what to trust. Especially when you're well and in need of help, you can be very vulnerable to misinformation. So how do you find information that's based on real evidence, and how do you know someone claiming to be a health professional is genuine?

We're going to try to find out how to find evidence-based information and how to sort the good from the bad.

Our guests for this episode are:
•	Professor Tammy Hoffmann, a clinical epidemiologist from Bond University who specialises in evidence-based practice.
•	Dan Englund, who had a stroke at 38-years-old but who has recovered enough to complete a 1000-km run.
•	Jude Czerenkowski, a social worker and national manager of Stroke Connect for the Stroke Foundation.

Stroke Foundation #6 - Where is the evidence?

Sex. We all think about it, but many of us find it difficult to discuss, which means it's a part of life that is often neglected in stroke rehabilitation. But while it is a big part of relationships, it's also not the only thing. There are many ways that stroke can challenge the dynamics between partners. In this episode, we're going to break the silence on these important aspects of a fulfilling post stroke life

Stroke Foundation #7 - Sex and relationships

Pain is common after stroke. It can start while the body is healing, but it can also stick around long term. When it does, it makes daily life difficult, and can wear you down over time. But even if you can't make your pain go away, it's still possible to do something about it.

Stroke Foundation #8 - Pain after stroke

To mark Nutrition and Hydration Week 2017, we’re taking a look at how to make sure you eat and drink well after a stroke.

Our guest is Alana Stewart from the Stroke Foundation. Alana is a speech pathologist with a Masters in Human Nutrition, who currently runs the StrokeConnect Follow-up service in Victoria.

Thanks also go to Jacqui Heward, Accredited Practising Dietitian and member of the Dietitians Association of Australia, who provided some of the content.

This podcast was brought to you by Nestlé Health Science.

Stroke Foundation Special Episode - Nutrition and hydration

It's very common to experience depression or anxiety after a stroke, beyond the expected fear and early sadness. But as challenging as these conditions are, they can be treated, and recovery is common.

In this podcast, we talk about out why people experience depression and anxiety after stroke, what it feels like, and how to get help that works.

Our guests are:

•	Associate Professor Maree Hackett from the George Institute for Global Health, who conducts research on depression in cardiovascular diseases such as stroke.

•	Luke Webb, a young stroke survivor and stage, television and film actor.

•	Simone Russell, occupational therapist from StrokeLine.

Stroke Foundation #9 - Depression and Anxiety after Stroke

The majority of stroke survivors will have problems with their upper limbs at some point – that's the arm, shoulder and hand. These problems include weakness, trouble coordinating movements, changes in muscle tone, subluxation, contracture, swelling, and reduced or increased sensation. These make a big difference in your daily life.

In this podcast, we talk about these issues with arms and hands and shoulders, and what you can do for recovery.

Our guests are:  

Dr Annie McCluskey, an occupational therapist, educator and researcher with over 30 years' experience in stroke and brain injury rehabilitation.
Rebecca Schmidt-Lachlan, a young stroke survivor and member of the Stroke Foundation's Consumer Council.
Tahnee Winks, a physiotherapist from the Stroke Foundation's Follow Up service.

Stroke Foundation #10 - Hand, arm and shoulder

Memory forms a big part of our understanding of our experiences and our selves. It's also essential on a smaller scale for simply getting through everyday life. And when you've had a stroke it helps you with your ongoing recovery. But memory is also commonly affected by stroke, and for many people this has a big impact.

In this podcast we will talk about what you can do if you're facing memory problems after stroke. Our guests are:
•	Toni Withiel and David Lawson, Monash University neuropsychology doctoral students and stroke survivors.
•	Dr Rene Stolwyk, clinical neuropsychologist from Monash University.
•	Jan Corcoran, stroke survivor from Far North Queensland.
•	Alana Stewart, speech pathologist from StrokeLine.

Stroke Foundation #11 - Memory

A common thread in our podcasts is the importance of exercise and being physically active. Whether it's for reducing your risk of another stroke, building up strength in your limbs, or even improving your memory, exercise is constantly recommended. But do stroke survivors get the level of activity that they need?

In this special episode for Stroke Week 2017, we talk to neurological physiotherapist Natalie Fini, who has recently published a scientific paper on just this question. Natalie is a lecturer at the University of Melbourne and she's doing a PhD through La Trobe University and Albert Health. She's also deputy chair of the National Neurology Group at the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Her research was funded by the Heart Foundation.

We also speak to occupational therapist, Leah Pett from Stroke Line, about what you can do about incorporating more activity into your daily life.

Stroke Foundation #12 - Exercise

The Stroke Foundation recently released its updated Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management, to help health professionals to deliver the most up-to-date, evidence-based stroke treatment. But what do these guidelines say and what do they mean to stroke survivors and their carers?

To find out, we talk to physiotherapist Assoc. Prof. Coralie English, a researcher from the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Co-chair of the Content Development Working Group for the Clinical Guidelines.

Stroke Foundation #13 - New stroke guidelines

Stroke doesn't discriminate, and we're hearing more and more about young people having strokes. When you're younger you can experience the same physical effects, but the impact on your life can be very different. The nice, smooth path that you've mapped out can drastically change course.

In this episode, we talk about what it's like to have a stroke in your 20s and 30s, and to have to set a new path towards goals like a career and relationships. And to deal with invisible stroke impacts while trying not to become invisible yourself.

Our guests are Ali Earley, a young stroke survivor, former nurse and now Stroke Foundation volunteer; Assoc. Prof. Maree Hackett from the George Institute, who has researched the psychological and social factors affecting young stroke survivors; and Lisa Mangwiro from StrokeLine.

Stroke Foundation #14 - Stroke in your 20s and 30s

Stroke Foundation #15 - Touch and Sensation

A lot of attention is given to rehabilitation in the weeks and months immediately following a stroke, but recovery doesn't stop there. Many stroke survivors continue to work on their recovery and see improvement for many years. In this podcast, we want to talk about how long-term recovery works, what you can expect in terms of highs and lows, and how to make the most of it.

Our guests are Professor Julie Bernhardt, Director of the Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery; stroke survivor Nadia Moffatt, who had two strokes when she was a teenager and is now a member of the Stroke Foundation’s Consumer Council; and physiotherapist Carol Pham, from StrokeLine.

Stroke Foundation #16 - Long-term Recovery

Stroke Foundation #17 - Emotional & personality changes

Stroke Foundation #18 - Driving

In this podcast, we talk about issues like knowing when it’s safe to fly, finding accessible destinations and transport, making sure you have assistance if you need it, and getting travel insurance.

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