Recent Updates RSS Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

  • David 10:13 pm on March 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: American Stroke Assoc. Fundraiser, , , , PFO and stroke awareness blog, Tedy's Team Corporate Sponsors   

    Tedy’s Team Corporate Sponsorship Available for Boston Marathon 

    Tedy's Team Corporate Sponsorship Available

    Boston Marathon 2010 Corporate Fundraiser -Tedy\'s Team

    Boston Marathon 2010 Corporate Fundraiser -Tedy\'s Team

    This movie requires Adobe Flash for playback.

    Your corporation, individual brand, or perhaps a special message or product you wish to promote can now be advertised during the 2010 Boston Marathon. (Please note: We’ve made a slight modification from the video demonstration above to improve visibility for corporate advertisers.  The corporate ad placement will be on the back of the actual running singlet as shown in picture below vs. the front and back shoulders on the long sleeve shirt shown in video .)

    Click for my stroke awareness progress report and corporate donation sponsor form for the Boston Marathon here:

    2010 Tedy’s Team Corporate Sponsor (Boston Marathon)


    Corporate Sponsors can Receive Ad Placement at the Stoke Winner and Champion Giving Levels

    Your tax deductible corporate donation can help me continue to reach my stroke awareness goals and help my sister cross the finish line in Boston 2010!

    Click to DONATE NOW online!

    Print and mail in your donation

    If you missed my last video post on why I still need your help to spread stroke awareness please click here to play that video message.

    Thank You!

    David Dansereau for know-stroke.org

     

  • David 8:21 pm on March 3, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , detecting pfo in students, heart defects in student athletes, screening for heart birth defects, stroke screenings   

    Get our student athletes screened for heart defects 

    PFO and heart/brain connection

    Know-Stroke.org

    Should all young athletes in the US have their hearts screened?

    They do in Italy. Why not here?

    by David Dansereau for know-stroke.org

    My guess is you’ll hear more about this debate on the nightly news this evening and in the days to come. That is because two studies published yesterday are reigniting an emotionally charged debate about whether young athletes should be screened with an $88 heart test to possibly reduce the small risk of sudden death from an undiagnosed heart problem. This debate also follows the recent death of two young athletes who died from sudden cardiac death. (They were Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams, 26, and Southern Indiana basketball center Jeron Lewis, 21, both presumably from sudden cardiac death).

    [Personal Sidebar: Screen all our KIDS involved in sports! While this debate continues, educate our coaches, parents and teachers how to respond FAST in the event of an emergency (stroke or cardiac arrest) from a heart defect. If I had been screened as a kid, I may not have had my 1st (or 2nd) stroke!! ]

    Here’s all the headlines from today and links to the full stories:

    Study: EKGs for young athletes cost-effective

    San Fransisco Chronicle

    Ask Dr. H: Young athletes and sudden cardiac death

    Philadelphia Daily News

    Studies spur debate on heart tests for athletes

    The Columbus Dispatch

    $88 scan detects deadly heart defect in athletes

    The Salt Lake Tribune

    Screening athletes could prevent sudden deaths

    MSNBC

    Heart test debate heats up

    The Boston Globe

    Screening May Save Athletes

    The New York Times

    Ask Dr. H: Young athletes and sudden cardiac death

    Philadelphia Daily News

     

  • David 3:54 pm on March 1, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Boston Marathon 2010 Fundraiser, , donate to the American Stroke Association, , , stroke awareness campaign,   

    To help me continue to Raise Stroke Awareness YOU need to step up too! 

    knowstrokeboston2010

    knowstrokeboston2010

    This movie requires Adobe Flash for playback.

    You are not running, why should I donate?

    If you have considered that it would still be the right thing to do but then clicked away, I’m here on video to remind you of why your donation to the American Stroke Association is important.  If you have donated to my fundraising and stroke awareness efforts in past, I sincerely thank you again.  I look forward to your continued support.  I appreciate every penny that comes in, especially in a difficult economy. You can help make a difference.  Every donation counts.  I hope you have been helped by my blog at know-stroke.org, and now is the time for you to step up.  It has been my intent from the start that through putting my story out there I might further educate others about their own condition.  In doing so I have been blessed to get to know many of you personally over the phone and many have expressed thanks and stated they will become more informed  in their local community to spread awareness.   That is terrific!  If you play my video you’ll see why (more than ever this year) I’ll need your help.  That’s right, if you’ve already played the video, you know a knee injury has forced me out of the Boston Marathon this year.  Even so, I can  run the marathon in spirit with my sister and continue to move forward with my national stroke awareness campaign.

    Please play the video and read my attached campaign summary and stroke awareness update I have prepared here>  knowstrokedotorgprogressreport . I’ve also included a print version of my fundraising request form if you would prefer to mail in a donation here> 2010BostonMarathonPrintDonationForm.

    You can also donate right now through our secure online donation link.  Donations to the American Stroke association are tax deductible.  You’ll see when you click the link, my wife and I have started off the donations  by showing our support for my sister Lori through a $150 dollar donation (or $50 each) to honor each of our three children.

    Please help me continue to reach my stroke awareness goals and help my sister cross the finish line in Boston 2010

    Click Here> DONATE NOW!

    Corporate Donors can Cross the Boston Marathon finish line too!

    In my next post later in the week I’ll update you on how  top corporate or individual donors can get their logo or brand visible and cross the finish line with my sister.  So, stay tuned and THANK YOU!

    Best Regards,

    David Dansereau

    Know-Stroke.org

     

  • David 1:51 am on February 28, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: aspirin therapy, david dansereau and pfo studies, pfo closure and coumadin   

    Coumadin-Aspirin-or PFO closure to prevent stroke? 

    What’s  the best choice??

    David P Dansereau for know-stroke.org

    I know I have my own opinions and if you’ve read my stroke story you know how I feel about this topic.  Anyway, I found a great presentation recently on  the “Evidence base for PFO closure” by Dr.  Ted Feldman  PDec8Feldman1510 but have been a bit slow at posting lately.

    Here’s the link to the presentation which reviews the use of coumadin, aspirin therapy or PFO closure for stroke prevention

     

  • David 3:34 am on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: david dansereau post at know-stroke.org, pediatric stroke, pfo and stroke blog, stroke awareness in kids   

    Pediatric strokes often take too much time to diagnose 

    “Slurred speech, droopy left eye, stiffness, a sudden inability to walk or even stand on his own: if an adult had come into an emergency room with similar symptoms, the staff might have quickly picked up these classic signs of stroke.”  But this patient’s name is Jared and he was 7 when he had his stroke.  Read Jared’s story from Star News Online as reported by JONATHAN DIENST/ Published: Tuesday, January 19, 2010

    Consider these brief facts:

    (from the full story if you don’t have time to read more about Jared right now:)

    “The rate of pediatric strokes has been growing in recent years, partly as a result of increased awareness and better reporting. Experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia estimate that the rate in children under 18 is as high as 12 per 100,000, or about 9,000 incidents a year. And in newborns, they put it at 25 per 100,000 — a rate approaching that of elderly adults.”

    “Time is brain,” doctors like to say, when it comes to treating stroke victims. Yet in pediatric stroke cases, studies show the average diagnosis does not take place until more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms.”

    __________________________________________________

    Too often, experts say, a stroke in a child will be missed. It is in part why Jared agreed to let his father share this story.

     

  • David 4:02 am on January 6, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Free Stroke Smart Magazine Subscription, goal setting, PFO and stroke recovery, , StrokeSmart magazine   

    Setting Smart Stroke Recovery Goals in 2010 

    Image Preview

    Read my Goal Setting Article in Stroke Smart Magazine

    How to Subscribe to StrokeSmart™ Magazine:

    For qualified free subscriptions  to StrokeSmart™  please call 1-800 STROKES (800-787-6537) or

    Click here for your free subscription

     

  • David 2:22 am on December 16, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: david dansereau and stroke awareness video, kids and stroke education, teens and stroke awareness   

    Listen Up: Making Kids Stroke Smart May Save Lives 

    Article reviewed by David Dansereau for know-stroke.org

    A new study published in the January issue of the journal Health Promotion Practice may indicate that stroke-related disability could be reduced by teaching children how to spot the signs of stroke in relatives and to call 911 immediately.

    Emergency medical treatment within three hours of the first stroke symptoms can limit the extent of brain damage and lead to better recovery.

    About the study:

    The Kids Identifying and Defeating Stroke (KIDS) project included 515 sixth graders in Texas who were divided into two groups. The students in the intervention group were given four classes about stroke awareness each year during grades 6, 7 and 8.

    “As part of the KIDS project, students were also given homework assignments that involved teaching their parents or other adult partners about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the need to call 911 right away if these signs are witnessed,” lead author Kathleen Conley, a professor of health education at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, said in a recent news release.

    Assessing Stroke Knowledge:

    A pretest about stroke knowledge/awareness was given before the study. Preliminary results from a follow-up test after the second year showed improvements in the intervention group students’ knowledge and their intent to call 911 when seeing someone suffering a stroke.

    “We are very encouraged by the results and would like to see more investigation in the area of teaching children about recognizing stroke and motivating them to call 911 immediately,” Conley said.

    [Personal Sidebar]

    This study gives further evidence for the need for my national stroke awareness goal to produce and make available a stroke PSA video targeted to coaches/parents, educators involved with student athletes.

    Here’s a summary of my stroke awareness goal :

    The AHA/ASA* and/or NSA** should have a sports related coaches/parents training video (available nationwide) to target adults in contact with young student athletes to improve recognition of ALL the stroke warning signs. This video could easily be linked to every sports program in the state/nation as part of that programs sports website/coaches sign up/parent registration section.

    Anyone with talent, time and the desire….Please help me do this.

    If you can help please contact me now (401)632-0868

    *American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

    ** National Stroke Association


     

  • David 7:44 pm on December 12, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Att: Stroke Survivors-I need your help! 

    I am training to run the Boston Marathon in 2010 with Tedy’s Team

    Please help me cross the finish line in Boston 2010

    That’s me crossing the finish line in Boston 2009

    Why put my body through another marathon?  Trust me, I’ve already gone through my list of excuses again why NOT to run.  But, even though I crossed the finish line last year and completed every step of those famous, grueling 26.2 miles in Boston, I have not reached my goal of national stroke awareness for improved screening,detection and treatment plans for PFO/Stroke/ and uncovering the possible migraine connection.  In the next few posts I’ll be updating you on the progress made towards my national stroke awareness goals in case you are reading my blog for the first time or want to get caught up or get involved to help-so stay tuned (but don’t wait to donate).

    Please help me reach my stroke awareness goals and cross the finish line in Boston 2010

    PLEASE DONATE NOW!

    Thank you!

     

  • David 7:21 pm on December 12, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: blood pressure and stroke risk, , hypertension and stroke, prevention of stroke, stroke risk, stroke screening   

    Stroke Prevention begins with knowing your blood pressure 

    Stroke Prevention Guidelines:

    posted by David Dansereau for know-stroke.org

    It doesn’t have to be May (Stroke Awareness Month) to review this list of important (and potentially life saving) guidelines:

    1. Know your blood pressure. Have it checked at least annually. If it’s elevated, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Having high blood pressure, or hypertension, increases stroke risk four to six times.

    2. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation – a type or irregular heartbeat. If left untreated, AF can increase stroke risk four to six times.

    3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking doubles stroke risk.

    4. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Recent studies have suggested that modest alcohol consumption (up to two glasses of wine or alcohol equivalent) may reduce stroke risk.

    5. Find out if you have high cholesterol. High cholesterol can indirectly increase stroke risk by putting people at greater risk of heart disease.

    6. If you’re diabetic, follow your doctor’s recommendation carefully to control your diabetes. People with diabetes have a higher stroke risk. This may be due to circulation problems that diabetes can cause.

    7. Include exercise in the activities you enjoy in your daily routine. Active people tend to have lower cholesterol levels. Regular exercise also seems to slow down or stop the clogging of blood vessels by deposits.

    8. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet. Too much salt may contribute to high blood pressure and make it more difficult to control. A diet that’s low in fat will likely include vegetables, lean meats such as chicken and fish, low-fat dairy products and a limited number of eggs.

    9. Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems which increase your risk for stroke.

    10. If you experience any stroke symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. CALL 911! Every minute counts!

    Source:National Stroke Association’s Prevention Advisory Board Stroke Prevention Guidelines.

     

    • Marcy 11:54 pm on December 15, 2009 Permalink | Reply

      Hi my name is Marcy , I had TIAS/strokes 12 years ago at age 30. With little to no permanent damage. I was just diagnosed with pfo, i am having a surgery to close on December 28Th. i have been living with symptoms for so long I had just gotten used to feeling bad from time to time. I have been to many doctors over the years, and many ER visits, but no one really seem that concerned. MRIs show many infarct in my cerebellum[8]. although the lab techs always looked surprised, the doctors either looked at me like i was crazy or blamed it on stress, smoking, and birth control, all great explanations all of which i quit,, well stress is impossible, But the symptoms remained.
      thanks to an ivf doctor who decided to check into my health back ground, before proceeding. I now may live to see my grandchildren. YES!! more needs to be out there about PFO. It needs to be taken seriously for young ,and old, paying special attention while women are trying to conceive or are pregnant. Hormone level changes your internal ballgame significantly!
      I’m afraid of surgery, But way more afraid of the unknown [strokes]. the procedure I’m having is through the groin area an seems to have a very high success rate. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get more info to the public. 25% of the population have this problem. To some it’s life changing even without symptoms, and with symptoms no one seems to take it serious. I was too young to be taken serious at the time, thank God nothing catastrophic happened to me.
      looking forward to getting back to a normal stroke free life!

      • Erin Proctor 10:09 pm on December 21, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        I wish you the best on December 28th. I had a stroke in August 2009 and had heart surgery 2 weeks later at UAB in Birmingham Al. I, too, was terrified of surgery but considering the alternative surgery was a breeze. Only four weeks after having surgery I was able to complete a 5k. I have been looking for opportunities to help with stroke awareness. Sadly, very little is out there. Best of luck your way!

      • David 4:26 pm on December 22, 2009 Permalink | Reply

        Thank you Marcy for sharing your story on my blog. I agree with you 100% on getting the word out there re: PFO/stroke/migraine/stress connection and it begins with your voice. I encourage you to spread awareness as I can tell you realize how lucky you are. I started this blog out of the same frustration that you described so well regarding docs missing this so often. Pls keep us all posted on your recovery. You will do great!

        ps-I also agree with Erin who recently commented on your post that surgery is a breeze once you get all the options and decide with your physicians it is the right option for you. As Erin posted, you get back to doing very quickly after this procedure. I’m now training for my 2nd Boston Marathon, post stroke and PFO closure and have been migraine free for almost 2.5 years.

  • David 8:44 pm on December 3, 2009 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , insurance coverage for PFO closure, percutaneous closure of PFO, stroke survivor stories   

    Crack a chest vs. close a PFO percutaneously- should insurance decide?? 

    Many stroke survivors report they are “waiting in fear for another possible stroke” while insurance companies deny treatment.   This is by far the most common emotion that most stroke survivors share with me while they angrily battle their insurance companies.  Here’s another recent post to know-stroke.org that illustrates this frustration…

    Jen writes- “So I am in a very similar boat. Although, I am only 21, and had a ’stroke’ this summer. Lucky for me the clot that could have been a full blown stroke happened to end up in my eye instead, killing 1/4th of my left eye but leaving my brain alone. They found my PFO 2 weeks later, and were shocked I had never had migraines. Although looking back I always had, but they affected my eyes more than my head so I never thought they were the same thing as the headaches that kept my sister home in the dark all day long. But three months ago (1.5 months after the clot) I started with the every day full fledged migraines. Fun stuff. Anyway, I have been fighting to get my insurance company to cover the closure for over 3 months now. They refused the device closure 3 times, and it looks like I am going to have some sort of surgery, possibly open heart surgery, on the 21st of december (when the semester is over). To tell you the truth, it is absolutely terrifying, and I can’t understand why they won’t pay to put the device in my heart, but would prefer to cut open my breastbone. I am glad to hear your closure did in fact reduce the symptoms.  My worst fear is to have open heart surgery and be laid up for 6 weeks only to still have the headaches and heart palpitations.”

    We need to do MORE!

     

    • Joe 2:26 am on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      David-it’s been a few months since we spoke on the phone. You were an incredible help and really helped push me in the right direction. We took a similar path which I find ironic and I’m happy to report things are progressing with my PFO closure. Been up in Boston getting some great care. It’s been a long road waiting for appt., MRI’s, ultrasounds, blood tests. After all the work ups, nothing was ever found. No blood clots, no high cholest., no blood disorders, no clots…my TIA is explainable and the doc’s tell me we’ll never really know what caused my double vision that September morning.
      The only things that can be dedected are the two strokes on the brain MRI report that showed I indeed had two strokes. The first one I wasn’t aware of but thinking back, over the years, I think I narrowed it down.
      Just got word this week that my PFO closure is set for next week. I can’t wait. I’m feeling pretty good since my Sept. stroke but having another is always in the back of my mind. Got two young kids and a lot of life to live and the doc’s seem to think after the closure, I’ll be able to put the last 4 months behind me.
      Still can’t believe I had a stroke. Just doesn’t sound right coming from a 35 year old.
      I’ll update you after the procedure.

      Joe

      • David 2:46 am on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Joe- That is great news! Thanks so much for commenting and I look forward to your next update.
        Best regards,
        David

      • Sheila 5:28 pm on February 15, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        Hello Joe, happy to read things have worked out for you in Boston. I live in NH and on Feb. 3, 2010 I suffered a stroke. I acted quickly and called 911. After 3 days in the hospital they did a TEE and found I have PFO. My doctor wants me to go to Boston for a consultation. May I ask which Boston Hospital you had your procedure at? So glad I found this info from you, it’s really healpful to others in the same situation. Thank you Joe and keep up the good work getting your message out.
        Sheila

    • joe 2:37 am on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Had my PFO closed two days ago. I’m feeling pretty good. As you all can imagine the actual day was pretty stressful. I didn’t end up having a TEE during the procedure. Actually had two cathetars on each side of the groin. That’s what’s causing the most discomfort as I recover but very barably. I was awake the whole precedure but didn’t feel anything. I’m amazed by the entire procedure. Now for the follow ups. Dr.’s seem pretty confident the repair was a success but as you know, the 6 month Echo tells the story if the hole is 100% closed. I’m feeling good and looking forward to moving on with life.

    • David Dansereau 5:50 pm on January 29, 2010 Permalink | Reply

      Joe;
      That’s great!! Once again,thanks for sharing your story. Would you mind commenting on why the second cathetar/both sides of groin were used and …wait…. you remember the whole procedure? WoW! You are the 1st person to report being able to recall the actual procedure. New technique or unique situation?? Would you mind sharing once more for my continued PFO education as well as for my readers. THANKS!

      Rest up my friend (no marathons for you just yet!) I’m sure you are glad to have this behind you.

      Best Regards,
      David Dansereau
      know-stroke.org

      • joe 12:01 am on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        2nd Cathetar was used to guide the device and confirm size of PFo and placement. Rather than do a TEE, they said this 2nd cathetar would be be used instead. Having a TEE prior, I wasn’t going to argue. The numbing solution alone is brutal.
        Since there was no TEE, the meds didn’t have to be as strong. I was able to see the dr feeding the guidewires thru the cathetars if I lifted my head up. This wasn’t too comfortable so I didn’t do it often. I also caught the x ray monitor with the guide wire. I thought it was odd that I was able to see all this stuff as I expected to be out cold. I told the dr. but he didn’t seem to be concerned. The good thing and most important was that I felt very little. I felt the pricks for the numbing meds for the cathetars and nothing else.

      • joe 4:21 pm on January 30, 2010 Permalink | Reply

        The 2nd Cathetar was used in place of the TEE. I know…I was a bit suprised about this method as well. Meant I didn’t have to have a full dose of meds, which I’m guessing why I wasn’t totally knocked out.

Older Posts →

c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
l
go to login
h
show/hide help
esc
cancel